Using Stressors in Usability Tests: Empirical Results and Practical Recommendations

Monique Janneck and Makbule Balin
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Monique Janneck: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Luebeck University of Applied Sciences, Luebeck, Germany
Makbule Balin: eparo GmbH, Hamburg, Germany

International Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development (IJSKD), 2013, vol. 5, issue 3, 17-31

Abstract: In this study the authors investigated whether the experience of stressors would influence the performance of users in usability tests as well as their subjective rating of the usability of an interactive system. To that end, an experimental study was conducted comparing a usability test that was performed in the lab under quiet, relaxed conditions with a test situation where several stressors (time pressure, noise, social pressure) were applied. Results show that participants in stress conditions performed worse regarding the completion and correctness of the tasks. The stress and negative feelings the participants experienced also influenced their view of the tested software. Participants in stress conditions rated the usability of the software and their user experience more negative. Implications for the practice of usability testing are discussed.

Date: 2013
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