Smart User Interfaces: Building Easier to Use Software through Dynamic User Interfaces

Presenter Information

Tyler Chester, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 253/4/5

Start Date

4-4-2011 1:30 PM

End Date

4-4-2011 3:00 PM

Student's Major

Computer Information Science

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Rebecca Bates

Mentor's Department

Integrated Engineering

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

Every computer user has installed a new piece of software and found that they had to spend an extensive amount of time learning not only the new features of the new software, but also the new menus of the user interface (UI). This can make buying any future software less appealing for many consumers. Unfortunately, software that is very easy to use is generally limited in its power and functionality. The use of a smart UI can decrease this learning curve, while not diminishing any power or functionality. A prototype of a smart UI was developed for a simple drawing program that collects user usage data. Given this data, it makes more commonly used buttons and menu items more obvious to increase ease of use. This program was then evaluated through a series of usability tests with a range of users from different age groups and different skill levels. Their impressions of ease of use and their productivity were assessed through a four question survey using a 5 point Likert Scale. This smart user interface system could be adapted to many forms of software interfaces, making new software more productive to new users.