[IxDA Discuss] How can I measure perception and adoptability?

[Sherman, Paul]

>Oliver Green wrote: 
As a graduate student in Human Computer Interaction, I have been taught
multiple techniques of traditional usability testing e.g.
heuristic evaluations, controlled experiments etc. But how do I go about
measuring the perception and adoptability of a system? Any pointers will be
much appreciated.

----

There are a number of surrogate measures that will help you make
*inferences* about the desirability and adoptability of systems. Here are
some suggestions and references: 

-Participant ratings of task satisfaction, task utility (and system
utility), etc.

-Participants' responses to open-ended questions that prompt for
desirability, satisfaction and utility.

-Capture of participants' affective reactions, such as verbal and non-verbal
expressions of delight and frustration.

-The recent work by Benedek and Miner on the "Desirability Toolkit":
http://www.microsoft.com/usability/UEPostings/DesirabilityToolkit.doc

-The Repertory Grid method. There are some online tools that you can use to
run people through the RP method. Just google for them. Here are some
references: 
--Hassenzahl, M. (2003). Character Grid: A Simple Repertory  Grid Technique
for Website Analysis and Evaluation.  In J. Ratner (Ed.). Human Factors and
Web Development (Second Edition). Lawrence  Erlbaum: Mahwah, NJ.
--Baber, C. (1996). Repertory grid theory and its  application to product
evaluation. In P. Jordan, B. Thomas, B. A. Weerdmeester,  & I. L. McClelland
(Eds.), Usability  evaluation in industry (pp. 157-165). London: Taylor &
Francis. 

HTH,
Paul

--
Paul Sherman
Director, User Centered Design
Sage Software