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Usability

STATUS

Red TriangleThe content on this page is outdated. The page is archived for reference only. For more information about current work, please contact the GUI Group.

Overview

Usability is about making technology work for people instead of making people work to use the technology. Kepler has a great foundation in terms of functionality but as with many software applications could benefit from improvements in the area of usability which will help its users be more efficient, effective and satisfied while using Kepler.

Usability recommendations will be based on documented design principles for user interfaces including visual, information and interaction design. These principles are grounded in theoretical and empirical research drawn from the fields of human factors, ergonomics, cognitive science, computer human interaction and usability engineering. Recommendations will also be made based on user analysis, task analysis and usability testing of the Kepler application. Team feedback is welcome and encouraged.

Laura L. Downey
Senior Usability Engineer
University of New Mexico
ldowney@lternet.edu

Background, Past Presentations and Discussions

For background information on usability in general and Kepler usability reports see:

For a presentation on the proposed visual and information re-design, please see proposed Kepler redesign.

To see the past discussion on the proposed symbology, see Kepler Symbology 

For past general comments, regarding usability and user interface design, see Kepler UI Discussion

 

Kepler Usability Topics

  • Who are Kepler Users
  • Screen Designs. See Designs page. December 2006, updated with status and priority.
  • Future Features. See Features page. December 2006 updated with some priority.
  • List of usability issues, June 2005, updated May 2006
  • Developer Resources:
    • Color Reference Chart for screen designs and icons
    • UI Implementation - anticipated time estimates for UI code implementation for 1.0 Beta release, to be used in discussions for prioritization of usability improvements.
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