Is Usability Evaluation Important: The Perspective of Novice Software Developers

In this paper we present the results of a study which aims to explore the perspective of novice software developers about usability evaluation. It is important for a software organization to understand how novice developers perceive the role and importance of usability evaluation. This will permit development of effective methods and training programs that could potentially increase the application of usability evaluation. The results suggest that the perspectives of novice software developers about usability are characterized by a clear understanding about what usability evaluation is and a clear awareness about obstacles and advantages. However, our study also reveals certain shortcomings in the “usability culture” of novice developers, especially about the users’ role in usability evaluation. Despite this limited “usability culture”, novice developers’ understanding of usability evaluation reflects a positive opinion about their participation in these activities. In addition, novice developers think that usability, in a general sense, is an important aspect of their work.