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Issues in Adapting Usability Testing for Global Usability

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Global Usability

Part of the book series: Human-Computer Interaction Series ((HCIS))

Abstract

The localisation of usability tools and techniques, and the recognition and promotion of these within national institutions responsible for professional practice, is critical to the development of usable products within a global development community. This chapter focuses on the localisation of usability testing methods and specifically on the extent to which cultural differences between users and developers impinge on the effectiveness of such methods. In order to explore the relationship between culture and user based evaluation it presents a review of different methods for user based testing/evaluation. It also provides a summary of key aspects within relevant literature on the ways in which cultural issues may influence evaluation effectiveness. It also reports on studies to date that document the effects of culture and usability evaluation. The chapter concludes by presenting potential guidance on the selection and implementation of usability evaluation methods within local and global contexts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Professional Studies, School of Computing and Technology, University of West London, London, UK

    Andy Smith

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  1. Andy Smith
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Correspondence to Andy Smith .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. University Center C, Learning Systems Institute CCI, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306, Florida, USA

    Ian Douglas

  2. Sino European Usability Center, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, 116026, China, People's Republic

    Zhengjie Liu

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Smith, A. (2011). Issues in Adapting Usability Testing for Global Usability. In: Douglas, I., Liu, Z. (eds) Global Usability. Human-Computer Interaction Series. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-304-6_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-304-6_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-85729-303-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-85729-304-6

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