MetaCartSign in to MyCiteSeer

Include Citations | Advanced Search | Help

Include Citations | Advanced Search | Help

  Computer-Based Learning Unit

Download:
Download as a PDF | Download as a PS
by T. R. G. Green, M. M. Burnett, A. J. Ko, K. J. Rothermel, C. R. Cook, J. Schonfeld
ftp://ftp.cs.orst.edu/pub/burnett/vl2000.cwpaper.ps
Add To MetaCart

Abstract:

Visual programming languages aim to promote usability, but are rarely examined for it. One reason is the difficulty of designing successful experimental evaluations. We propose the Cognitive Walkthrough as an aid to improve experimental designs. This is a novel application of an HCI-derived technique designed for evaluating interfaces rather than experiments. The technique focuses on the potential difficulties of novice users and is therefore particularly suited for evaluating the programming situation, which is knowledge-based and non-routine. We describe an empirical study performed without benefit of a walkthrough and show how the study was improved by a series of walkthroughs. We found the method to be quick to use, effective at improving the experimental design, and usable by non-specialists. 1.

Citations

229 Usability analysis of visual programming environments: A ‘cognitive dimensions’ framework – Green, Petre - 1996
191 Heuristic evaluation of user interfaces – Nielsen, Molich - 1990
102 Cognitive dimensions of notations – Green - 1989
82 Cognitive walkthroughs: A method for theory-based evaluation of user interfaces – Polson, Lewis, et al. - 1992
74 Damaged merchandise? A review of experiments that compare usability evaluation methods – Gray, Salzman - 1998
66 Forms/3: A first-order visual language to explore the boundaries of the spreadsheet paradigm – Burnett, Atwood, et al. - 2001
49 What you see is what you test: A methodology for testing form-based visual programs – Rothermel, Li, et al. - 1998
39 Graphical definitions: Expanding spreadsheet languages through direct manipulation and gestures – Burnett, Gottfried - 1998
26 Applying cognitive walkthroughs to more complex user interfaces: Experiences, issues, and recommendations – Wharton, Bradford, et al. - 1992
22 Metacognitive Theories of Visual Programming: What do we think we are doing – Blackwell - 1996
19 Testing Effectiveness of Algorithm Animation – Gurka, Citrin - 1996
19 Learning and using the cognitive walkthrough method: a case study approach – John, Packer - 1995
12 Usability Evaluation with the Cognitive Walkthrough – Rieman, Franzke, et al. - 1995
4 The Effect of Task Description Detail on Evaluator Performance with Cognitive Walkthroughs – Sears, Hess - 1998
2 Comparison of Visual and Textual Languages via Task Modeling – Williams, Buehler
1 Using the Programming Walkthrough to Aid – Bell, Citrin, et al. - 1994