Questionnaire based usability testing
Veenendaal Cisa · 1998
Usability is an important aspect of software products. However, in practice not much attention is given to this issue during testing. Testers often do not have the knowledge, instruments and/or time available to handle usability. This paper introduces the Software Usability Measurement Inventory (SUMI) testing technique as a possible solution to these problems. SUMI is a rigorously tested and validated method to measure software quality from a user perspective. Using SUMI the usability of a software product or prototype can be evaluated in a consistent and objective manner. The technique is supported by an extensive reference database and embedded in an effective analysis and reporting tool. SUMI has been applied in practice in a great number of projects. This paper discusses three practical applications. The results, usability improvements, cost and benefits are described. Conclusions are drawn regarding the applicability and the limitations of SUMI for usability testing.