Evaluation of usability utilizing Markov models
Janaina Rodrigues Penedo, Morganna Carmem Diniz, Simone Bacellar Leal Ferreira, Denis Silva da Silveira, Eliane Pinheiro Capra · Interactive Technology and Smart Education · 2012
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the usability of a remote learning system in its initial development phase, using a quantitative usability evaluation method through Markov models. Design/methodology/approach The paper opted for an exploratory study. The data of interest of the research correspond to the possible accesses of users in a learning system's pre‐project. The present research is intended to answer questions of the type “how”, evaluating the usability through Markov models and the interaction of the learning system's users. Findings The paper provides a study which allowed the generation of a probability matrix among states and actions, which was utilized in the evaluation of usability based on Markov models, where the usability criteria specified were analyzed. Markov models allow a series of measures of interest to be calculated and they have been successfully utilized in the evaluation of computing and communication systems. Originality/value This research aimed to investigate the utilization of Markov models in the evaluation of usability in a remote learning system in its pre‐project phase and to help in proposing improvement suggestions.