Usability Engineering

by Jakob Nielsen

Written by the author of the best-selling HyperText & HyperMedia, this book is an excellent guide to the methods of usability engineering. The book provides the tools needed to avoid usability surprises and improve product quality. Step-by-step information on which method to use at various stages during the development lifecycle are included, along with detailed information on how to run a usability test and the unique issues relating to international usability.

* Emphasizes cost-effective methods that developers can implement immediately
* Instructs readers about which methods to use when, throughout the development lifecycle, which ultimately helps in cost-benefit analysis.
* Shows readers how to avoid the four most frequently listed reasons for delay in software projects.
* Includes detailed information on how to run a usability test.
* Covers unique issues of international usability.
* Features an extensive bibliography allowing readers to find additional information.
* Written by an internationally renowned expert in the field and the author of the best-selling HyperText & HyperMedia.

Genres: Design, Nonfiction, Usability, Technology, Computer Science, Technical, Software

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Jakob Nielsen is a leading web usability consultant. He holds a Ph.D. in human-computer interaction from the Technical University of Denmark in Copenhagen. He is also the principal of the Nielsen Norman Group which he co-founded with Dr. Donald A. Norman (former VP of research at Apple Computer). Before starting NNG in 1998 he was a Sun Microsystems Distinguished Engineer.

Nielsen founded the "discount usability engineering" movement for fast and cheap improvements of user interfaces and has invented several usability methods, including heuristic evaluation. He holds 79 United States patents, mainly on ways of making the Web easier to use.

Nielsen has also given his five quality components of Usability Goals, which are: Learnability, Efficiency, Memorability, Errors (as in low error rate), Satisfaction.

Reviews

[Simon Eskildsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The examples might be dated, but Nielsen's advice has stood the test of time. It's clear he was one of the first real advocates for "why don't you sit down with a user and hear what they think." Real pragmatist. We just forget the 'curse of knowledge.' That the more we know something, the worse judges we are of whether it's good. Users keep us honest. That you can't cut corners, because people remember the worst experience instead of their average experience. Also known as the 'peak-end' principle, and holds generally true. I skimmed a lot of this book, because it's somewhat nitty-gritty in a subject, user experience, that I find fascinating, but don't have the patience to go in complete depth with—at least, not right now. What I was looking for during this read was how Nielsen thought about performance since he was cited in the books I read on the topic. Main thing he's credited for is: 0.1s is instant, 1 second is fine-ish but not great and affects usability, 10 seconds people have done a complete context switch and start to be upset. I like that.

[Hao Ca Vien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nielsen's Usability Engineering is an interesting book about usability and procedures to test and develop usability. It is a classic, however, if you read it you will find a lot of his ideas are already implemented (which is a testament to how good they were). Also a interesting read to see how technology fared back then (10-20 years ago).

[Ricardo dos Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just, awsome stuff here

[Nabeena]

kindly give access to read the full ebook and download

[Shane C · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was very well writhen!!

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

As my first database design project to be used by someone else comes to a close, I find myself starting this book and reflecting on the truth of the intro: "Many ... students are profoundly surprised when they first sit down with actual users and watch them struggle with supposedly easy software."

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Usability Engineering" is a must-have for anyone working in HCI, but especially for anyone who needs to run a user study. I feel like I refer back to this short little book every time I start a new study, and I've been doing this for almost 15 years!

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a bit dry, but gave lots of good details.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good general info, but quite dated in a number of areas.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can be a little dry at times but offers good guidelines on how to perform a usability test and background of usability in design.