Book Review: Computer Systems Experiences of Users With and Without Disabilities: An Evaluation Guide for Professionals

The measurement of user experiences of people with functional limitations, such as those without vision, is widely accepted as a challenge because of the diversity of functional capabilities and background experiences among the various subpopulations of interest. The authors introduce the concept of the integrated methodology of interaction evaluation to provide a theoretical framework for the inclusive evaluation of software applications. The central idea is that the needs and expectations of the end user should be considered during the evaluation process. As such, it is the human factors/ergonomics (HF/E) designer’s responsibility to discover and understand how the full range of human abilities and experiences interacts with the technologies utilized in the application.

The authors start with a detailed review of human–computer interaction as a science and the historical perspective of attempts to quantify various aspects of the user’s experience as related to the use of applications. Technical concepts are clearly explained, and important concepts are outlined. The book covers both introductory and advanced topics equally effectively.

The evaluation methods outlined are akin to a systems engineering approach whereby the entire spectrum of human performance is sampled, including those with functional limitations caused by permanent or temporary disabilities, in order to better understand the full spectrum of interaction between the user and the technology.

In my experience, designers often do not take the systems-level approach when designing software applications that meet the needs of individuals with diverse abilities. Too often the design is focused on solving a singular barrier at the expense of ignoring other relevant barriers that prohibit the adoption of a given technology. For example, a programmer may focus on providing accessible links to allow screen-reader assistive technologies to navigate to various graphical design elements on the screen but may fail to provide the appropriate level of alternative text describing the graphical components that are inaccessible to those without vision. Using the methods proposed in this book, the HF/E practitioner is more likely to capture the full spectrum of design issues that are barriers to use for people with disabilities.

The book will serve the seasoned HF/E expert as well as professionals seeking to expand their research methods to be more inclusive of individuals with diverse functional abilities. Of particular interest to me was the discussion of the difference between short- and long-term use of a product from an evaluation perspective. My own research has gravitated toward longitudinal evaluations of accessibility under Georgia Tech’s HomeLab research initiative.

In summary, anyone interested in exploring a different conceptual framework for studying the full spectrum of the human experience relative to software applications should read this book.