Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Table 1 (continued)
User study
1
2
3
4
5
Sources
Usability evaluation of zoom and pan
functions
✓✓✓✓
~
You et al. (
2007
)
Usability eval. of cartographic animations
✓✓
~
✓
~
Opach and Nossum
(
2011
)
Studies selected for meta-analysis are highlighted in bold
Of the 26 studies identified, 17 have met the criteria and were to be reviewed and
used as cases in the research (cf. Table
1
). Although meeting the criteria, a few
studies were dismissed because of low actuality or the particular focus of research.
Some of the projects followed a user-centred design approach throughout the
application design cycle, but most of the reports present singular user or usability
research efforts. The user experience (UX) of Web maps was not particularly in the
focus of any of the reviewed studies, clearly indicating that the user experience of
mapping applications offers potential for further research.
A Framework for User-Centred Web-Map Design
and Evaluation
A framework for user-centred Web-map design and evaluation was developed from
theory and the existing model by van Elzakker et al. (
2008
) and refined based on the
meta-analysis of user studies. The model of the framework (Fig.
1
) features the key
elements for user-centred design and evaluation of Web-mapping products in four
stages (application goals & requirements, application concepts, application pro-
totypes, final application). Methods that were used successfully in the individual
studies for the development of Web-mapping applications are listed between the
elements of the model. The methods which are in bold type can be used when
following a minimal UCD strategy.
Integrating user and usability research in all the stages of the framework is a
time-consuming, expensive and, depending on the methods, complex activity. This
is the reason why smaller project teams have difficulties to incorporate a complete
user-centred design approach in Web application design. On these grounds, one of
the first steps of the integrated framework is to develop and formalize a project-
specific strategy for user and usability research activities.
A formal user research plan provides direction and a schedule, helps to deliver
results when they are most needed for product development and avoids unneces-
sary, redundant, or hurried research (Kuniavsky
2003
). Moreover, a formalized
strategy can be used for communication and coordination between stakeholders and
developers. The user/usability research strategy defines which types and methods of
user and usability research, in which stages are necessary and feasible. Further
additional elements comprise characteristics and resources of the development
