User experience is immeasurably important for your patrons as they access your Web site. This article presents tips and strategies for testing user experience, suggests a number of different popular technologies and tools that are used in the UX field, and lays out a plan for sharing and utilizing data to make improvements on your Web site. It is…

There is a pressing need for an evaluation rubric that examines all aspects of educational apps designed for instructional purposes. In past decades, many rubrics have been developed for evaluating educational computer-based programs; however, rubrics designed for evaluating the instructional implications of educational apps are scarce. When an…

Describes a graphical user interface called IFM (Intelligent File Manipulator) that provides intelligent help to users. Explains two underlying reasoning mechanisms, one an adaptation of human plausible reasoning and one that performs goal recognition based on the effects of users' commands; and presents results of an empirical study that…

Examines how electronic documents, particularly electronic journals, could be enhanced to make them more valuable to end-users. Describes the development of PROPIE (Proposed Information Environment) that demonstrated the potential to support various interaction needs and discusses the results of an empirical evaluation of PROPIE. (Author/LRW)

Describes performer-centric interface design and explains a model-based approach for conducting performer-centric analysis and design. Highlights include design methodology, including cognitive task analysis; creating task scenarios; creating the presentation model; creating storyboards; proof of concept screens; object models and icons;…

Describes a prototype system for software documentation management called SLEUTH (Software Literacy Enhancing Usefulness to Humans) being developed at the University of Virginia. Highlights include information retrieval techniques, hypertext links that are installed automatically, a WAIS (Wide Area Information Server) search engine, user…

Discusses usability in the context of creating distance learning or computer-based training environments and describes a three-step approach to learner-centered usability testing. Highlights include functions of the instructional interface that should be similar to a responsive teacher; elements in the learning environment; and testing it via a…

Presents a proposed information environment (PROPIE) for enhanced interaction and value-adding of electronic documents that allows users multiple ways to query intuitively and navigate information in an electronic document. Highlights include user interface technologies; visualization and interactive techniques; query and browsing processes; and…

Describes recent improvements in graphical user interfaces (GUIs) offered by online services. Highlights include design considerations, including computer engineering capabilities and users' abilities; fundamental GUI design principles; user empowerment; visual communication and interaction; and an evaluation of online search interfaces. (LRW)

Discusses the growing demand for online learning activities; considers the possibilities that the Internet offers for a flexible learning environment; and describes a framework for electronic learning that addresses institutional, pedagogical, technological, interface design, evaluation, management, resource support, and ethical issues. (LRW)

Considers factors that must be weighed in creating effective electronic learning environments and presents a basic framework for Web-based or electronic learning. Highlights include the institutional dimension; the pedagogical dimension; technological dimension; interface design; evaluation; management; resource support; and ethical…

Discusses Web-based learning, also referred to as distributed learning, and outlines eight areas that are part of a framework to use to design successful Web learning environments. Includes pedagogical issues, technological factors, interface design, evaluation, management, resource support, ethical issues, and institutional considerations. (LRW)

Discusses interface agents and online help systems, focusing on Microsoft's animated office assistants. Highlights include intermediaries such as librarians in off-line reference problems; user complaints about online help systems; navigation problems; evaluation of the online office assistants; and categories of user queries to online help…

Discusses interface issues related to challenges of instruction facilitation and student participation and performance in an Internet-accessible online course. Topics include creating a learning metaphor, including the course syllabus; navigation processes, including interaction style; and usability evaluation by students. (Author/LRW)

Simulations currently play a key role in facilitating competency training for incident commanders of the emergency services. The article briefly reviews current practice in incident command training and considers the effectiveness of simulation usage and practice for crisis management more generally.