Analysis of the effort needed to use a software system.

Within LaQuSo a usability analysis is performed to show objectively some of the malpractices in the user interface (and user documentation) of a software system.

Usability can be defined as a set of attributes that bear on the effort needed for use, and on the individual assessment of such use, by a stated or implied set of users [ISO9126]

This definition shows that the usability of a system can not be entirely judged in an objective way. LaQuSo judges those aspects of the system that influence usability, but can be objectively established.

The approach consists of four parts: perform predefined scenarios to explore the functionality of the system, analyze the screen structure, run analysis tools and apply a common checklist on heuristics.

• Requirements, architecture;
• Running system.

• Usability characteristics (according to heuristics) and (logical) errors;
• Compliance to standards and guidelines.

• Analysis of the usability and the user interaction of a distribution website. This website is a customer based electronic mailing and news system.