Usability Study of Mobile Groupware Applications: A Case Study of Mobile Meeting Scheduler

Abstract

Mobile groupware applications are to support users of different roles in completing tasks of mutual interests by operating mobile devices. Mobile Meeting Scheduler is an example of such applications. This software enables users of different parties to communicate with each other about the meeting time, venues, participants and subjects. The purpose of the software is to facilitate users setting up meetings by using their mobile phones. A preliminary usability study of Mobile Meeting Scheduler suggests that evaluation of such applications is challenging. The evaluators need insights into usability study methods for mobile groupware applications. An extensive literature survey shows that there is no directly applicable research on the subject yet. However, the analysis of Mobile Meeting Scheduler, its preliminary usability study and the relevant literature give implications on the important usability aspects of mobile groupware applications. The implications include also possible methods to conduct usability evaluations for mobile groupware applications. These implications will call for HCI researchers and practitioners to contribute further efforts to investigate practical usability study methods for mobile groupware applications.

Asiasanat:groupware usability evaluation methods, mobile usability evaluation, mobile collaborative application, usability engineering, use context and user-centred design