Title:
Evaluation of the Usability and Learnability of Vehicle Sketch Pad in Academia
Evaluation of the Usability and Learnability of Vehicle Sketch Pad in Academia
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Author(s)
MacLeod, Stephanie F.
Feigh, Karen M.
Feigh, Karen M.
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Abstract
This paper describes an evaluation of the usability and
learnability of Vehicle Sketch Pad (VSP) within the academic aerospace
engineering field. In addition, this paper provides suggestions on how
Vehicle Sketch Pad should develop to better provide a desirable graphical
user interface (GUI). Aerospace Engineering graduate students were asked to
perform specific tasks within Vehicle Sketch Pad, and their performance,
efficiency, and workload while completing these tasks were measured. The same
students were asked to perform similar tasks within a more traditional
computer aided design (CAD) tool, AutoDesk Inventor. At this time, how the
user interfaced with the Inventor GUI and what features within the interface
they liked and did not like were measured. Analysis of the results of this
experiment showed that all three experience-based noise variables,
undergraduate major, prior courses taken, and prior VSP experience, do impact
the user’s performance, efficiency, and workload while completing a task in
VSP. For example, those with a more in-depth Aerospace-related background
perceived less workload than those with alternative backgrounds.
Additionally, the VSP GUI proved to have a statistically significant impact
on the user’s performance, efficiency, and workload. For example, those who
experienced confusion due to the workspace layout expressed they felt
utilizing VSP was a very mentally demanding task. As a result this analysis,
a roadmap for VSP development opportunities was created. This roadmap
included users’ opinions and the researcher’s observances of gaps within
the VSP GUI in addition to suggestions based on the Inventor GUI.
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Date Issued
2016-06-02
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