A HybridApproach for Qualitative and Quantitative Usability Studies

Abstract

Hybrid testing combines the need for qualitative recommendations to improve a user interface with the need for quantitative figures to express the user experience of the user interface. On one hand, the recruitment, the structure of the sessions and the tasks are standardized so that controlled and repeated measurements are possible under the same conditions over time. During task solving, certain measures are taken and observations recorded. In conjunction with subjective assessments, these measurements form the base of a calibrated and condensed index that express the user experience of the user interface in one figure. On the other hand, it is possible to explore usability problems qualitatively after each task so that deep insights into user behaviour are achievable. These data allow recommendations to be made that help to improve the interface.