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Title: IMPLEMENTING USABILITY TESTING OF TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS AT ANY COMPANY AND ON ANY BUDGET.
Creator: Collins, Meghan, Flammia, Madelyn, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: In my thesis I discuss the cost effectiveness of usability testing of technical documents and how any size company with any size budget can implement usability testing. Usability is achieved when the people who use products or technical documents can do so quickly and easily to accomplish their own tasks. Usability testing is best defined as the process of studying users to determine a documentation projectÃ‚Â's effectiveness for its intended audience. Users are tired of...
Show moreIn my thesis I discuss the cost effectiveness of usability testing of technical documents and how any size company with any size budget can implement usability testing. Usability is achieved when the people who use products or technical documents can do so quickly and easily to accomplish their own tasks. Usability testing is best defined as the process of studying users to determine a documentation projectÃ‚Â's effectiveness for its intended audience. Users are tired of dealing with confusing and unintuitive technical documentation that forces them to either call customer service for help on simple issues or throw out the product in favor of one that is more usable or provides better technical documentation. That is why all technical communicators should include usability testing as part of the technical documentation production cycle. To help technical communicators understand the importance of usability testing, I discuss the cost effectiveness of usability testing and share ways that companies with large budgets and companies with small budgets can begin incorporating usability testing. Then I provide information on all the steps that are necessary for technical communicators to implement usability testing of technical documentation at their company. Options are presented for everything from bare minimum usability testing with a shoe-string budget with pencils, note pads, and only a handful of users to full scale usability testing in large laboratories with the latest equipment and a wide variety of users. The research provides examples from real companies, advice from experienced technical communicators and usability experts, and research demonstrating how many resources are truly required to benefit from usability testing. By showing technical communicators that usability testing is cost effective and that there are many options for implementing usability testing no matter how large or small their budget is, I hope to empower technical communicators to start including usability testing as part of the documentation production cycle at their companies.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: CFE0002995, ucf:47935
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002995

Title: SENIOR'S HEALTH INFORMATION WEBSITE: TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTANCE RELATED TO INFORMATION RETENTION.
Creator: Madsen, Jane, Sivo, Stephen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: The formative study investigated health information for seniors on the Internet with consideration of usability of the selected system, user's perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, system use, and performance, i.e. information retention. A theoretical model was developed by the researcher, i.e. JAM's Senior Health Information Technology Acceptance Model, as an enhanced version of the traditional Davis Technology Acceptance Model. The new model provided the critical relationship...
Show moreThe formative study investigated health information for seniors on the Internet with consideration of usability of the selected system, user's perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, system use, and performance, i.e. information retention. A theoretical model was developed by the researcher, i.e. JAM's Senior Health Information Technology Acceptance Model, as an enhanced version of the traditional Davis Technology Acceptance Model. The new model provided the critical relationship between the senior health information system and other technology acceptance components. Computer self-efficacy was added to the hypothetical model to better explain the seniors' technology usage and performance. The hypotheses and the research plan included: four professional experts, who assessed the site for usability, and 68 of 145 seniors who began the survey completed a three-part senior participant survey. Data was collected by a third party and the author. Implications for seniors, professionals, and society are presented. The senior population is the subject of the research. Professionals working with seniors, the Internet, health information, and technology acceptance are served by the formative study to further clarify the relationship of the issues. The topic is considered a societal issue as a large segment of the population is composed of seniors. Their welfare and interests impact society and other generations. The results suggested computer self-efficacy is irrelevant for perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness however self-efficacy contributed to information retention. Usability affects perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. There is a highly significant, though not very strong, relation between those variables. Perceived usefulness is a good indicator of a return visit to the site and senior recommendations of the site to others. These are two new variables that were not included in the model. There is no relationship between usability and computer self-efficacy. There was significance between usability and system use, but little relevance has pointed toward information retention (IR). The results of the analysis suggest that the hypothesized model information retention level did not predict senior IR based on human factor professionals' and senior users' usability ratings. Attrition according to qualitative feedback was the result of browser and equipment issues, ease of use and navigation. Future research endeavors should be devoted to usability and use of other systems for the senior population.
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Date Issued: 2007
Identifier: CFE0001582, ucf:47121
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001582

Title: EMOTIONAL EVALUATION OF A PRODUCT/SYSTEM.
Creator: Smith, Hana, Sims, Valerie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Technological advances in products and systems have brought emotional design or emotional engineering to the forefront of research. While several measures to assess emotional expression of products have been developed, the source of the emotion rating of a product or system was often unclear. The purpose of this dissertation is to conduct three studies to examine the causes of emotional ratings and to establish if product-specific emotion rating scales are useful for capturing accurate user...
Show moreTechnological advances in products and systems have brought emotional design or emotional engineering to the forefront of research. While several measures to assess emotional expression of products have been developed, the source of the emotion rating of a product or system was often unclear. The purpose of this dissertation is to conduct three studies to examine the causes of emotional ratings and to establish if product-specific emotion rating scales are useful for capturing accurate user evaluations. Three studies were conducted using citrus juicers. Juicers were chosen for several reasons: their wide variety of styles, one self-explanatory purpose (to make juice), and the fact that their benign nature is unlikely to harm participants. Study 1 isolated juicers that had unique emotion profiles to use in the Study 2. Participants rated 41 juicers with fourteen product-specific emotions. Participants predominantly used "five" of the fourteen emotions in their juicer ratings. Ten juicers with the highest rating consensus, within these five emotions, were chosen for Study 2. Study 2 determined that anthropomorphic tendencies are predictive of emotional ratings. Extreme Anthropomorphism from the Anthropomorphic Tendency Scale (ATS) was used to test individual differences (Sims et al. 2005;Chin et al., 2005). Individuals with low anthropomorphic tendencies were more critical of the products. Sex differences also were analyzed, and significant interactions were found. Women exhibited different preferences for juicers than me. First impression ratings from Study 1 were validated by first impression ratings from Study 2. Finally, Study 3 measured the impact of product interaction on emotional ratings. Participants used seven juicers to make a minimum of four ounces of juice. Pre and post-interaction ratings were compared to determine the effect of interaction on the emotional appraisal of products. The results confirmed that interaction had an impact on affective ratings. As opposed to experienced users, novice users deviated in their pre-post appraisal, especially on aesthetically boring but highly usable products. Novice users based their entire initial appraisal on aesthetics, while experienced users were influenced by their past experience. Humans rely on past experience to recall likes or dislikes. The findings here suggest that aesthetic appraisal of products (or other environments) will remain influenced by past exposure/experience with those or similar products. Thus, only true novices can remain unbiased by past experience for aesthetic appraisal and capture a true 'first impression'. Also, past experience of users should be assessed when conducting research that relies on emotional appraisal of products. These findings may be especially useful in product development where new designs are based on a golden standard, competition, or go through several iterations of testing. The results may be used to guide human factors professionals to develop measures that more accurately capture affective ratings, and thus create more pleasurable products and systems.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: CFE0002175, ucf:47513
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002175

Title: A HOLISTIC USABILITY FRAMEWORK FOR DISTRIBUTED SIMULATION SYSTEMS.
Creator: Dawson, Jeffrey, Rabelo, Luis, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation develops a holistic usability framework for distributed simulation systems (DSSs). The framework is developed considering relevant research in human-computer interaction, computer science, technical writing, engineering, management, and psychology. The methodology used consists of three steps: (1) framework development, (2) surveys of users to validate and refine the framework, and to determine attribute weights, and (3) application of the framework to two real-world systems...
Show moreThis dissertation develops a holistic usability framework for distributed simulation systems (DSSs). The framework is developed considering relevant research in human-computer interaction, computer science, technical writing, engineering, management, and psychology. The methodology used consists of three steps: (1) framework development, (2) surveys of users to validate and refine the framework, and to determine attribute weights, and (3) application of the framework to two real-world systems. The concept of a holistic usability framework for DSSs arose during a project to improve the usability of the Virtual Test Bed, a prototypical DSS, and the framework is partly a result of that project. In addition, DSSs at Ames Research Center were studied for additional insights. The framework has six dimensions: end user needs, end user interface(s), programming, installation, training, and documentation. The categories of participants in this study include managers, researchers, programmers, end users, trainers, and trainees. The first survey was used to obtain qualitative and quantitative data to validate and refine the framework. Attributes that failed the validation test were dropped from the framework. A second survey was used to obtain attribute weights. The refined framework was used to evaluate two existing DSSs, measuring their holistic usabilities. Ensuring that the needs of the variety of types of users who interact with the system during design, development, and use are met is important to launch a successful system. Adequate consideration of system usability along the several dimensions in the framework will not only ensure system success but also increase productivity, lower life cycle costs, and result in a more pleasurable working experience for people who work with the system.
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Date Issued: 2006
Identifier: CFE0001256, ucf:46906
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001256

Title: THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HUMAN CENTERED METHODOLOGY FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF COMMUNICATION NEEDS AND THE ASSESSMENT OF HAND-HELD COMMUNICATION DEVICES USED TO SUPPORT COMMUNICATION FLOW IN HIGH CONSEQUENCE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT.
Creator: Jeelani, Mohammad, McCauley-Bush, Pamela, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Communication has been identified as a critical component in the outcome of emergency response. Post-mortems of "what went wrong" in disaster responses often point toward breakdown in communication between first responders, those directing rescue efforts, and the general population as one of the primary impediments to rendering timely aid and communicating adequate safety and weather information. Due to the high resilience, relatively low costs, and advanced features of modern hand-held...
Show moreCommunication has been identified as a critical component in the outcome of emergency response. Post-mortems of "what went wrong" in disaster responses often point toward breakdown in communication between first responders, those directing rescue efforts, and the general population as one of the primary impediments to rendering timely aid and communicating adequate safety and weather information. Due to the high resilience, relatively low costs, and advanced features of modern hand-held communication devices, these devices are in a position to drastically improve communication flow during emergency management situations. Due to the lack of official implementation of these devices and the lack of the establishment of standard guidelines for device selection, the use of hand-held communication devices in emergency management is yet to be optimized. Island nations such as the Bahamas, which face unique challenges in regard to emergency management due to geographical, infrastructural, political, and cultural hurdles which are found in the region, can especially benefit from the optimized implementation of hand-held communication devices in emergency management. This study examined current emergency response procedures in The Bahamas, created a baseline for the current use of hand-held communication devices by Bahamian emergency management officials and civilians, identified the communication needs of Bahamian emergency management officials and civilians, and proposed a model for the selection of hand-held communication devices based upon human factors principals and focusing on user priorities. This study began with a focus group interview which included 14 Bahamian emergency management officials in order to gain an understanding of current Bahamian emergency response procedures and the communication challenges faced by emergency management officials during high consequence emergencies. A paper based survey was conducted, in which 31 Bahamian emergency management officials answered demographic, skill level, and functionality questions related to the use of hand-held communication devices to support emergency related activities including those directed toward preparation, mitigation, and response. These emergency management officials provided invaluable input based upon their practical experience in high consequence emergency situations. 155 Bahamian civilians participated in a similar survey which was a reduced version of the survey used for emergency management officials. Both surveys included questions in regard to the background information of the participants, previous handheld communication experience, device performance, and what other communication devices were being utilized. The surveys were analyzed using statistical methods of categorical data analysis and correlations were identified. Several communication needs which were categorized as infrastructure, organizational, and equipment needs as well as a hierarchy of device selection factors in regard to the use of hand-held communication devices during emergency management situations were identified. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used in order to determine the priorities of each of the identified device selection factors and a model for the selection of hand-held communication devices used to support communication flow in high consequence emergency management was proposed.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: CFE0003762, ucf:48765
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0003762

Title: ONLY SCREEN DEEP? EVALUATING AESTHETICS, USABILITY, AND SATISFACTION IN INFORMATIONAL WEBSITES.
Creator: Avery, Carrie, Saari Kitalong, Karla, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This thesis explores the role aesthetics plays in informational websites. In commercial interfaces, aesthetics (the perceived visual appeal and appropriateness of an object) has shown to correlate positively with many aspects of usability and emotional satisfaction. This thesis examines whether aesthetics has similar positive correlations in informational websites. Heuristics or guidelines for evaluating informational websites are developed based on empirical research and practitioner...
Show moreThis thesis explores the role aesthetics plays in informational websites. In commercial interfaces, aesthetics (the perceived visual appeal and appropriateness of an object) has shown to correlate positively with many aspects of usability and emotional satisfaction. This thesis examines whether aesthetics has similar positive correlations in informational websites. Heuristics or guidelines for evaluating informational websites are developed based on empirical research and practitioner expertise. Categories for heuristic evaluation include usability, credibility, visual clarity, visual richness, and emotional satisfaction. A class of graduate students browsed three academic websites, evaluated them, and critiqued the heuristics. Results indicate that aesthetics does correlate with overall impression, usability, satisfaction, and credibility. The data also suggests that there are two dimensions of aesthetics: visual richness and visual clarity. Overall impression correlated with the average of all categories. The heuristics used in this pilot study are now ready to be tested on a larger population.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000465, ucf:46412
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000465

Title: AFFECTIVE DESIGN IN TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION.
Creator: Rosen, Michael, Kitalong, Karla, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Traditional human-computer interaction (HCI) is based on 'cold' models of user cognition; that is, models of users as purely rational beings based on the information processing metaphor; however, an emerging perspective suggests that for the field of HCI to mature, its practitioners must adopt models of users that consider broader human needs and capabilities. Affective design is an umbrella term for research and practice being conducted in diverse domains, all with the common thread of...
Show moreTraditional human-computer interaction (HCI) is based on 'cold' models of user cognition; that is, models of users as purely rational beings based on the information processing metaphor; however, an emerging perspective suggests that for the field of HCI to mature, its practitioners must adopt models of users that consider broader human needs and capabilities. Affective design is an umbrella term for research and practice being conducted in diverse domains, all with the common thread of integrating emotional aspects of use into the creation of information products. This thesis provides a review of the current state of the art in affective design research and practice to technical communicators and others involved in traditional HCI and usability enterprises. This paper is motivated by the developing technologies and the growing complexity of interaction that demand a more robust notion of HCI that incorporates affect in an augmented and holistic representation of the user and situated use.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000590, ucf:46474
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000590

Title: Creating and Examining an Online Advising Module for Graduate Students: A Usability Study.
Creator: Mitchell, Leah, Flammia, Madelyn, Jones, Daniel, Dombrowski, Paul, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Advisors are always examining best practices when serving students with technology. Online instruction has become a popular choice for students in higher education, and educators and other student personnel are looking to further accommodate their students by including academic services as part of a virtual environment.This study examines the usefulness of an online advising module geared at graduate students. I conducted a usability study of an online advising module created for graduate...
Show moreAdvisors are always examining best practices when serving students with technology. Online instruction has become a popular choice for students in higher education, and educators and other student personnel are looking to further accommodate their students by including academic services as part of a virtual environment.This study examines the usefulness of an online advising module geared at graduate students. I conducted a usability study of an online advising module created for graduate students in the College of Education and Human Performance (CEDHP) at the University of Central Florida. The online advising module was presented to current graduate students in the CEDHP. They were asked to make observations and provide feedback about their interactions with the online advising module. The final part of the usability test included giving students a survey to rate their overall satisfaction with the module.Results of the study showed that graduate students did benefit from viewing the online advising module. Participants reported an overall strong satisfaction rate with the module.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: CFE0005212, ucf:50621
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005212

Title: PERFORMANCE SUPPORT AND USABILITY:AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OFELECTRONIC PERFORMANCE SUPPORT INTERFACES.
Creator: Rawls, Charles, Hirumi, Atsusi, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This study evaluated the usability of two types of performance-support interfaces that were designed using informational and experiential approaches. The experiment sought to determine whether there is a relationship between usability and the informational and experiential approaches. The general population under study was undergraduate education major students from the University of Central Florida. From the general population of three educational technology instructor-led classes, 83...
Show moreThis study evaluated the usability of two types of performance-support interfaces that were designed using informational and experiential approaches. The experiment sought to determine whether there is a relationship between usability and the informational and experiential approaches. The general population under study was undergraduate education major students from the University of Central Florida. From the general population of three educational technology instructor-led classes, 83 students were solicited to participate in the study by completing a class activity. From the general population, a total of 63 students participated in the study. By participating in the study, the students completed a task and a questionnaire. Students were predominantly English-speaking Caucasian female education majors between the ages of 19 and 20; most of them were sophomores or juniors working part time. They possessed moderately low to high computer skills and most considered themselves to have intermediate or expert Internet skills. An experimental posttest-only comparison group research design was used to test the hypotheses posited for this study. The participants were randomly assigned to either the informational interface group (X1) or the experiential interface group (X2), and the experiment was conducted electronically via a Web-based Content Management System (CMS). The observed data consisted of five outcome measures: efficiency, errors, intuitiveness, satisfaction, and student performance. Two instruments--a checklist and an online usability questionnaire--were used to measure the five dependent variables: efficiency, intuitiveness, errors, satisfaction, and student performance. The CMS was used as the vehicle to distribute and randomize the two interfaces, obtain informed consent, distribute the instructions, distribute the online questionnaire, and collect data. First, a checklist was used to assess the students' performance completing their task, which was a copyright issue request letter. The checklist was designed as a performance criterion tool for the researcher, instructor, and participants to use. The researcher and instructor constructed the checklist to grade copyright request letters and determine students' performance. The participants had the opportunity to use the checklist as a performance criterion to create the task document (copyright request letter). The checklist consisted of ten basic yet critical sections of a successful copyright request letter. Second, an online usability questionnaire was constructed based on the Purdue Usability Testing Questionnaire (PUTQ) questions to measure interface efficiency, intuitiveness, errors, and satisfaction. While these test items have been deemed important for testing the usability of a particular system, for purposes of this study, test items were modified, deleted, and added to ensure content validity. The new survey, University of Central Florida Usability Questionnaire (UCFUQ), consisting of 20 items, was implemented in a pilot study to ensure reliability and content validity. Changes to the PUTQ were modified to fulfill a blueprint. A pilot study of the instrument yielded a reliability coefficient of .9450, and the final online usability instrument yielded a reliability coefficient of .9321. This study tested two approaches to user interface design for the Electronic Performance Support (EPS) using two HTML interface templates and the information from an existing training module. There were two interventions consisting of two interface types: informational and experiential. The SPSS Graduate Pack 10.0 for Windows was used for data analysis and statistical reporting in this study. A t test was conducted to determine if a difference existed between the two interface means. ANOVA was conducted to determine if there was an interaction between the interface group means and the demographic data factored among the five dependent variables. Results of this study indicated that students at the University of Central Florida reported no differences between the two interface types. It was postulated that the informational interface would yield a higher mean score because of its implementation of HCI guidelines, conventions, and standards. However, it was concluded that the informational interface may not be a more usable interface. Users may be as inclined to use the experiential interface as the informational interface.
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Date Issued: 2005
Identifier: CFE0000807, ucf:46678
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000807

Title: Evaluation of a Mind-Body Website by Women with Breast Cancer.
Creator: Beck, Laura, Loerzel, Victoria, Sole, Mary, Morrison, Kimberly, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Despite having access to volumes of information, women newly diagnosed with breast cancer report a moderate level of distress related to their diagnosis, treatment, life expectancy, threat to current roles, and life-changing surgery and treatment choices. Web sites designed to teach people strategies to reduce distress are readily available online. The online format may be useful and practical for women who can access the site at their convenience, learn the components of the interventions at...
Show moreDespite having access to volumes of information, women newly diagnosed with breast cancer report a moderate level of distress related to their diagnosis, treatment, life expectancy, threat to current roles, and life-changing surgery and treatment choices. Web sites designed to teach people strategies to reduce distress are readily available online. The online format may be useful and practical for women who can access the site at their convenience, learn the components of the interventions at their own pace, and practice the strategies in the comfort of their home. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an online Mind-Body web site (http://www.www.preparingforyoursurgery.com) designed to reduce distress related to surgery for its usability, practicality, and appropriateness for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Results of this study will be used to either adopt use of the web site into standard of care at our cancer center or explore development of a similar web site to meet the needs of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, who had breast cancer surgery in the past 60 days, were asked to evaluate an online Mind-Body web site and then respond to an online questionnaire measuring the web site usability, practicality, and appropriateness. Thirty-one women evaluated the web site and completed the online survey. The majority of women agreed the web site is useful, practical, appropriate, and would recommend to others. There was no significant relationship between age, income, level of education, frequency of Internet use, or experience with Mind-Body techniques and women who agreed the web site is useful, appropriate, or practical compared to women who were neutral or disagreed the web siteis useful, appropriate, or practical. The results of this study suggest the web site could be introduced to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer at our cancer center regardless of age, income, education, frequency of Internet use, or experience with Mind-Body techniques.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005085, ucf:50752
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005085

Title: Understanding the Capabilities and Limitations of Advanced Interactive M(&)S: A Cricothyroidotomy Simulation Case Study.
Creator: Campbell-Wynn, Lillian, Proctor, Michael, Kincaid, John, Crumpton-Young, Lesia, Liu, Alan, Burgess, Deborah, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Simulation for surgical education and training is increasingly perceived as a valuable contribution to traditional teaching methods providing a structured learning experience. Surgical simulations allow surgeons to practice tactics, techniques and procedures numerous times without the cost, limitations and ethical problems of using cadaver-based models. The goal of this research is to advance the use of modeling and simulation in support of emergency medical training. This research explores...
Show moreSimulation for surgical education and training is increasingly perceived as a valuable contribution to traditional teaching methods providing a structured learning experience. Surgical simulations allow surgeons to practice tactics, techniques and procedures numerous times without the cost, limitations and ethical problems of using cadaver-based models. The goal of this research is to advance the use of modeling and simulation in support of emergency medical training. This research explores questions identified through a case study of two different modeling and simulation techniques (-) virtual reality and mannequins - in the support of combat emergency medical education and training. To reduce the scope to a manageable dissertation, the research focuses on CricSim as representative form of virtual reality simulation and HapMed as a form of mannequin simulation both with haptic-enabled capabilities. To further narrow the scope, the research focuses on training of a medical technique common to both simulation systems, which for this research was the cricothyroidotomy airway management technique. The U.S. Army expressed interest in training of combat medics in the cricothyroidotomy airway management technique and offered to support experimentation with both facilities and trained combat medics as the sample population. An experiment supporting this research took place at Fort Indiantown Gap, a National Guard Training Center located in Annville, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania and is the home of the Medical Battalion Training Site. An advanced airway management course is augmented with combat medics receiving training and evaluation on performing the cricothyroidotomy procedure using CricSim and HapMed with system experts provided by each respective developer. The NASA Task Load survey is used to collect participants' assessment of workload in terms of Mental Demand, Physical Demand, Temporal Demand, Level of Effort, Performance and Level of Frustration based on four primary tasks of the cricothyroidotomy. Additionally, the Technology Acceptance Model survey is used to provide insight into participant's assessment of usability. Professional trainers also provide their assessment of the virtual simulators suitability in support of the combat medics in performing their tasks based on their standards. The results of the participants' assessment of each virtual simulator take the form of a comparison study. To improve the advancement of medical simulation in the training of cricothyroidotomy procedure, a summary of findings, generalized conclusions, lessons learned and recommendations for future research are illuminated. The dissertation team is comprised of medical experts within the U.S. Air Force Education and Training Command, U.S. Army Research and Medical Command, and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences as well as simulation subject matter experts from the University of Central Florida.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0005142, ucf:50705
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005142

Title: Bridging the Gap Between Fun and Fitness: Instructional Techniques and Real-World Applications for Full-Body Dance Games.
Creator: Charbonneau, Emiko, Laviola II, Joseph, Hughes, Charles, Tappen, Marshall, Angelopoulos, Theodore, Mueller, Florian, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Full-body controlled games offer the opportunity for not only entertainment, but education and exercise as well. Refined gameplay mechanics and content can boost intrinsic motivation and keep people playing over a long period of time, which is desirable for individuals who struggle with maintaining a regular exercise program. Within this gameplay genre, dance rhythm games have proven to be popular with game console owners. Yet, while other types of games utilize story mechanics that keep...
Show moreFull-body controlled games offer the opportunity for not only entertainment, but education and exercise as well. Refined gameplay mechanics and content can boost intrinsic motivation and keep people playing over a long period of time, which is desirable for individuals who struggle with maintaining a regular exercise program. Within this gameplay genre, dance rhythm games have proven to be popular with game console owners. Yet, while other types of games utilize story mechanics that keep players engaged for dozens of hours, motion-controlled dance games are just beginning to incorporate these elements. In addition, this control scheme is still young, only becoming commercially available in the last few years. Instructional displays and clear real-time feedback remain difficult challenges.This thesis investigates the potential for full-body dance games to be used as tools for entertainment, education, and fitness. We built several game prototypes to investigate visual, aural, and tactile methods for instruction and feedback. We also evaluated the fitness potential of the game Dance Central 2 both by itself and with extra game content which unlocked based on performance.Significant contributions include a framework for running a longitudinal video game study, results indicating high engagement with some fitness potential, and informed discussion of how dance games could make exertion a more enjoyable experience.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: CFE0004829, ucf:49690
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004829

Title: THE INTEGRATED USER EXPERIENCE EVALUATION MODEL: A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO INTEGRATING USER EXPERIENCE DATA SOURCES.
Creator: Champney, Roberto, Malone, Linda, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Evaluating the user experience (UX) associated with product interaction is a challenge for current human-systems developers. This is largely due to a lack of theoretical guidance for directing how best to assess the UX and a paucity of tools to support such evaluation. This dissertation provided a framework and tools for guiding and supporting evaluation of the user experience. This doctoral research involved reviewing the literature on UX, using this knowledge to build first build a...
Show moreEvaluating the user experience (UX) associated with product interaction is a challenge for current human-systems developers. This is largely due to a lack of theoretical guidance for directing how best to assess the UX and a paucity of tools to support such evaluation. This dissertation provided a framework and tools for guiding and supporting evaluation of the user experience. This doctoral research involved reviewing the literature on UX, using this knowledge to build first build a theoretical model of the UX construct and later develop a theoretical model to for the evaluation of UX in order to aid evaluators – the integrated User eXperience EValuation (iUXEV), and empirically validating select components of the model through three case studies. The developed evaluation model was subjected to a three phase validation process that included the development and application of different components of the model separately. The first case study focused on developing a tool and method for assessing the affective component of UX which resulted in lessons learned for the integration of the tool and method into the iUXEV model. The second case study focused on integrating several tools that target different components of UX and resulted in a better understanding of how the data could be utilized as well as identify the need for an integration method to bring the data together. The third case study focused on the application of the results of an usability evaluation on an organizational setting which resulted in the identification of challenges and needs faced by practitioners. Taken together, this body of research, from the theoretically-driven iUXEV model to the newly developed emotional assessment tool, extends the user experience / usability body of knowledge and state-of-practice for interaction design practitioners who are challenged with holistic user experience evaluations, thereby advancing the state-of-the-art in UX design and evaluation.
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Date Issued: 2009
Identifier: CFE0002761, ucf:48098
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002761

Title: The User Experience of Disney Infinity: Do Smart Toys Matter?.
Creator: Welch, Shelly, Smith, Peter, McDaniel, Rudy, Vie, Stephanie, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: ?This study investigated what factors come into play when looking at the user experience involved with the commercial video game Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition), and sought to determine if the unique combination between sandbox and smart toy based gameplay present in gameplay offers an additional level of immersion.This study analyzed the effect of Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition) on immersion utilizing a Game Immersion Questionnaire modified to analyze play preference as well as video game...
Show more?This study investigated what factors come into play when looking at the user experience involved with the commercial video game Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition), and sought to determine if the unique combination between sandbox and smart toy based gameplay present in gameplay offers an additional level of immersion.This study analyzed the effect of Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition) on immersion utilizing a Game Immersion Questionnaire modified to analyze play preference as well as video game experience. The study methodology analyzed 48 users while playing in (")Toy Box(") mode both with and without the associated smart toys, or Disney characters.Results show that while there was no significant difference in immersion for either group, nor were there any significant correlations between variables, there was a preference for playing the game with the associated smart toys in both groups. Recommendations were made for continued research building on modifications to this study as well as future research exploring the potential for smart toys in other areas.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: CFE0005904, ucf:50890
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005904

Title: Investigating the Influence of the Built Environment on Energy-Saving Behaviors.
Creator: Sellers, Brittany, Jentsch, Florian, Smither, Janan, Sims, Valerie, Fiore, Stephen, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: This dissertation addresses a gap in the existing sustainability behavior research, by integrating research from the social sciences about environmental attitudes and knowledge with approaches from engineering regarding the characteristics of the built environment. Specifically, this dissertation explores the role of both environmental knowledge and design features within the built environment on building occupants' energy behaviors throughout the course of an environmental conservation...
Show moreThis dissertation addresses a gap in the existing sustainability behavior research, by integrating research from the social sciences about environmental attitudes and knowledge with approaches from engineering regarding the characteristics of the built environment. Specifically, this dissertation explores the role of both environmental knowledge and design features within the built environment on building occupants' energy behaviors throughout the course of an environmental conservation campaign. Data were collected from 240 dormitory residents using a multi-phase questionnaire approach to study these factors and their combined impact within the context of environmental sustainability practices on UCF's campus. The results from a series of correlational and multiple regression analyses indicate that both the design components of the built environment and the attitudes held by individuals within that environment have a significant positive influence on behaviors. Furthermore, these findings indicated that this effect increases significantly when the two factors work together. Finally, the results show that pro- environmental attitudes and behaviors can be successfully targeted through a cue-based energy conservation campaign. By addressing a gap in the extant Human Factors research about the relationship between attitudinal factors and the built environment, this dissertation provides a unique contribution to the field and points the way towards development of promising solutions for encouraging sustainable behaviors.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: CFE0006500, ucf:51387
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006500

Title: A Psychophysical Approach to Standardizing Texture Compression for Virtual Environments.
Creator: Flynn, Jeremy, Szalma, James, Fidopiastis, Cali, Jentsch, Florian, Shah, Mubarak, University of Central Florida
Abstract / Description: Image compression is a technique to reduce overall data size, but its effects on human perception have not been clearly established. The purpose of this effort was to determine the most effective psychophysical method for subjective image quality assessment, and to apply those findings to an objective algorithm. This algorithm was used to identify the minimum level of texture compression noticeable to the human, in order to determine whether compression-induced texture distortion impacted...
Show moreImage compression is a technique to reduce overall data size, but its effects on human perception have not been clearly established. The purpose of this effort was to determine the most effective psychophysical method for subjective image quality assessment, and to apply those findings to an objective algorithm. This algorithm was used to identify the minimum level of texture compression noticeable to the human, in order to determine whether compression-induced texture distortion impacted game-play outcomes. Four experiments tested several hypotheses. The first hypothesis evaluated which of three magnitude estimation (ME) methods (absolute ME, absolute ME plus, or ME with a standard) for image quality assessment was the most reliable. The just noticeable difference (JND) point for textures compression against the Feature Similarity Index for color was determined The second hypothesis tested whether human participants perceived the same amount of distortion differently when textures were presented in three ways: when textures were displayed as flat images; when textures were wrapped around a model; and when textures were wrapped around models and in a virtual environment. The last set of hypotheses examined whether compression affected both subjective (immersion, technology acceptance, usability) and objective (performance) gameplay outcomes. The results were: the absolute magnitude estimation method was the most reliable; no difference was observed in the JND threshold between flat textures and textures placed on models, but textured embedded within the virtual environment were more noticeable than in the other two presentation formats. There were no differences in subjective gameplay outcomes when textures were compressed to below the JND thresholds; and those who played a game with uncompressed textures performed better on in-game tasks than those with the textures compressed, but only on the first in-game day. Practitioners and researchers can use these findings to guide their approaches to texture compression and experimental design.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: CFE0007178, ucf:52250
Format: Document (PDF)
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007178

usability (12)	+ -
human computer interaction (3)	+ -
technical communication (3)	+ -
human factors (2)	+ -
human-computer interaction (2)	+ -

simulation (2)	+ -
usability testing (2)	+ -
user experience (2)	+ -
3D user interfaces (1)	+ -
Absolution Magnitude Estimation (1)	+ -
Breast Cancer (1)	+ -
Built environment (1)	+ -
Compression (1)	+ -
Disney Infinity (1)	+ -
Distortion (1)	+ -
Evaluation of web site (1)	+ -
Feature Similarity Index (1)	+ -
Game (1)	+ -
Human Visual System (1)	+ -
Image Quality Assessment (1)	+ -
Immersion (1)	+ -
Just Noticeable Difference (1)	+ -
Magnitude Estimation (1)	+ -
Mind-Body web site (1)	+ -
Minecraft (1)	+ -
Modulus (1)	+ -
Perception (1)	+ -
Performance (1)	+ -
Pervasive games (1)	+ -
Practicality and Appropriateness (1)	+ -

University of Central Florida (16)	+ -
Flammia, Madelyn (2)	+ -
Jentsch, Florian (2)	+ -
Sims, Valerie (2)	+ -
Angelopoulos, Theodore (1)	+ -

Avery, Carrie (1)	+ -
Beck, Laura (1)	+ -
Burgess, Deborah (1)	+ -
Campbell-Wynn, Lillian (1)	+ -
Champney, Roberto (1)	+ -
Charbonneau, Emiko (1)	+ -
Collins, Meghan (1)	+ -
Crumpton-Young, Lesia (1)	+ -
Dawson, Jeffrey (1)	+ -
Dombrowski, Paul (1)	+ -
Fidopiastis, Cali (1)	+ -
Fiore, Stephen (1)	+ -
Flynn, Jeremy (1)	+ -
Hirumi, Atsusi (1)	+ -
Hughes, Charles (1)	+ -
Jeelani, Mohammad (1)	+ -
Jones, Daniel (1)	+ -
Kincaid, John (1)	+ -
Kitalong, Karla (1)	+ -
Laviola II, Joseph (1)	+ -
Liu, Alan (1)	+ -
Loerzel, Victoria (1)	+ -
Madsen, Jane (1)	+ -
Malone, Linda (1)	+ -
McCauley-Bush, Pamela (1)	+ -

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