Improving the Design of Visual Programming Language Experiments Using Cognitive Walkthroughs

Authors: KO A.J.¹; BURNETT M.M.¹; GREEN T.R.G.²; ROTHERMEL K.J.¹; COOK C.R.¹

Source: Journal of Visual Languages & Computing, Volume 13, Number 5, October 2002 , pp. 517-544(28)

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Abstract:

Visual programming languages aim to promote usability, but their usability is rarely examined scientifically. One reason is the difficulty of designing successful experimental evaluations. We propose the Cognitive Walkthrough (CW) as an aid to improve experiments' designs. The CW is an HCI technique designed for evaluating interfaces. The technique focuses on the potential difficulties of novice users and is therefore particularly suited for evaluating programming situations that arise in visual programming language experiments performed in laboratory settings. We first describe an empirical study performed without benefit of a walkthrough and show how the study was improved by a series of walkthroughs. We also describe two other empirical studies and how they were improved with the help of the CW. We found the method to be quick to use, effective at improving the experimental design, and usable by non-specialists. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1006/jvlc.2002.0245

Affiliations: 1: Department of Computer Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, U.S.A. 2: Computer-Based Learning Unit, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, U.K.

Publication date: 2002-10-01