Abstract:

There is a need for tools that help developers evaluate the usability of digital library interfaces. The potential for using Claims Analysis to help developers in this way has been investigated in four linked case studies. The first explored the design rationale of an existing design with its developers. This showed that they had considered positive consequences for novice uses but that they found it difficult to identify negative effects. The second study explored the detailed design of an add-on feature. A scenario and sample claims were introduced to evaluate exploratory use within an action cycle of planning, execution and evaluation. This framework provided an effective stimulus to enable the developers to evaluate the design and explore opportunities for redesign. This framework was again applied within an exploratory search scenario in which the user refined the search. As a result of discussions with the developers it was possible to draw out some positive consequences and possible risks to usability. Finally, a small number of novice users explored the digital library and the findings from this were used to validate and extend the previous claims.