Syntax2D: Usability evaluation of an architecture software tool

Submitted by maureen on Sun, 08/30/2009 - 01:18
in
  • Syntax 2D Evaluation
  • Syntax 2D Description
  • Syntax 2D Generalized Transition Network
  • Syntax 2D Comparative Analysis
  • Syntax 2D Heuristic Evaluation
  • Syntax 2D Survey
  • Syntax 2D Usability Testing
  • Syntax 2D Successes
  • Syntax 2D Finding 1
  • Syntax 2D Finding 2
  • Syntax 2D Finding 3
  • Syntax 2D Finding 4
  • Syntax 2D Finding 5
  • Syntax 2D Future Directions
Client: 
Syntax2D
Role: 
Project Manager and Usability Researcher
Methods: 
Generalized Transition Network, Personas & Scenarios, Competitive Evaluation, Survey, Heuristic Evaluation, Vocabulary/Visual Analysis, Usability Testing
Summary: 
Evaluated usability of Syntax2D, an open source spatial analysis software program developed by the Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning, University of Michigan.

Believing that his software had several usability issues, the project coordinator for Syntax2D asked our team to conduct a full usability analysis of the application. First the team collaborated on a generalized transition network that documented each screen of the systems’ major task flows. For user research we interviewed 7 space syntax researchers at the university and surveyed 55 space syntax from across the globe. For the competitive evaluation I conducted a thorough literature review while other team members researched a competing product, DepthMap. Each team member evaluated Syntax 2D using Jakob Nielsen's usability heuristics. We conducted usability testing with 4 space syntax researchers, asking participants to talk aloud while completing two tasks. We also used Camtesia to record audio and screen capture. Usability problems with the software were so severe that only one participant was able to complete the user testing tasks without assistance.

Results: 
For our final recommendations we suggested fixing the most severe usability problems and that, instead of attempting to compete head-to-head against a dominant rival product for the tiny space syntax research population, Syntax2D position itself as a simple and accessible tool for the larger community of non-specialists such as anthropologists and human geographers. The client was so excited by our process and results he submitted a paper about our study to the 7th International Space Syntax Symposium.