Software tools for easier design usability
The requirement for accessibility and modalities adapted to user preferences has led to increased awareness regarding the system designs with emphasis on usability and respect to the needs of people with disabilities and older people. In this light, product development is guided by a user-centered design philosophy aiming at giving applications which are fit for the purpose for which they were designed. USERfit methodology was developed within the USER European project and comprises a set of nine summary tools designed to assist developers in addressing the issue of usability in design. The central concept of USERfit methodology is usability, in other words the creation of products and systems that are effective, efficient, safe and comfortable for the user. From this perspective user requirement and capabilities comprise the main drive for product development as opposed to technological capabilities. The methodology follows the common design activities which are the definition of the task (context of use and user analysis), the development of a functional specification, application building using the findings and testing the product via usability evaluation tools. However, the design related information is stored and propagated through paper-based forms, which could make the specification process tedious. The USERfit Tool was created within IRIS project in order to facilitate the use of the USERfit design environment. IRIS (Incorporating Requirements of People with Special Needs or Impairments to Internet-based Systems and Services) aimed to design architecture and develop and validate a design aid environment to facilitate the use of design-for-all tools and methods. USERfit Tools automates many parts of USERfit methodology eliminating the need for large numbers of paper forms. The protocols defined by USERfit method are accurately reproduced while previous specification may be reused. Furthermore, remote groups are now able to share the design parameters enabling more homogeneous outcomes. USERfit proved through usability analysis to fulfil the needs and working styles of designers. However there is always scope for further development using USERfit as a platform for user-centred design of systems' interfaces.
