Hazard I - results of a user evaluation of the prototype software
Richard W. Bukowski · 1988
After five years of development, the prototype of a personal computer based, fire hazard analysis method was distributed to 93 volunteers representing all aspects of the fire community.These persons agreed to evaluate the software and documentation, and attempt to apply it to a problem of their own choosing.Written comments were to be returned, which would be used to establish priorities for future changes, and where possible, be incorporated into the general release version of the product.Written responses were received from 47 participants, most of which dealt with suggestions for improvements to the user interface (rather than any technical shortcomings).Based on the responses received, it has been concluded that: the software will be of substantial, broad benefit; with the identified improvements, the user interface is comparable to commercial software in ease of use; the data base is particularly useful, but needs to contain many more entries; and priority enhancements need to be made in the areas of combustion modeling and pictorial graphics.