Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
This chapter is about one important method called heuristic evaluation
[2][4]. The method has been highly popular and influential within the area
of human-computer interaction (HCI) since it was first presented in 1990
[5]. The information visualization community has also recognized its
usefulness [6]. The method is relatively easy to learn, quick and cost-
effective to perform, and it can generate valuable results at any stage of
development. However, in its original form it has limitations which
constrain its applicability for evaluation in information visualization.
These restrictions must be considered to make the method as valuable as
possible [6][7]. This is one reason why the heuristic evaluation method is
not used in information visualization to the same extent as in other areas
such as HCI. Another reason is that the method remains unknown to many
researchers and developers.
The aim of this chapter is to present a review of heuristic evaluation,
discuss its pros and cons, and point out its potential for information
visualization. The chapter provides guidance and recommendations on
how heuristic evaluation should be applied, and it discusses issues that call
for supplemental or modified actions, materials, and other resources for it
to be successful. Reading this chapter will not educate someone who is
inexperienced in evaluation to become fully capable of designing and
conducting such a study and analysing its result. Such a goal would
require more knowledge and practice. Our ambition is to introduce the
method, provide a general overview, point to what is important to consider
for it to be applicable in information visualization, and present what
resources are available to guide the reader in further study and practice of
the method. Further, the reader will learn to assess the importance and
quality of a publication that reports a study in which heuristic evaluation
has been used, since the same knowledge applies.
The remainder of this chapter is structured as follows. The following
section presents an overview of evaluation methods and usability. It is
followed by “Heuristic Evaluation,” which describes the method, how it is
conducted in its original form, and factors that are considered to limit its
use in information visualization. The section “Heuristic Sets” reviews the
heuristic sets that have been proposed and used for evaluation in
information visualization in the literature. It is followed by “Heuristic
Evaluation modified,” which outlines issues to consider and
recommendations for use of the method in information visualization. The
final section, “Discussion and Conclusion,” presents directions for future
research
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