Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Usability Metrics Of Web-Based Mapping Applications, Tao Zhang, Nicole Kong, Ilana Stonebraker

Libraries Faculty and Staff Presentations

In academic libraries, the rise of web-based mapping applications or web geographic information systems (web GIS) brings great opportunities for information seeking. Users can search spatial information, create customized maps, as well as perform simple spatial analysis with these tools.

In this presentation, we report results from an empirical usability evaluation of major web-based mapping applications, including ESRI Business Analyst Online, PolicyMap, SimplyMap, and Social Explorer. Eighteen university students participated in the evaluation in which they completed tasks of creating a customized map about business-related information (e.g., unemployment rate of an area), changing map display options (map unit, data range, …

Reorganizing The Relationship Of Digital Library Resources And Physical Learning Environments, Antti M. Rousi, Michael Fosmire, Risto Maijala, Benjamin D. Branch, Nicole Kong

Proceedings of the IATUL Conferences

Introduction. This study examines the theoretical variance of user experience generated by linking digital library resources via QR codes into library learning environments. Methods. A heuristic evaluation was done about the theoretical variance of user experience created by the QR code linking procedure. This evaluation was based on Garrett’s (2003) framework of user experience. The targets of the evaluation were two existing QR code portals of both Aalto and Purdue University Libraries. Results. The existing QR code portals generate variation of varying degrees into all of the elements of user experience. Conclusion. Despite the breadth of variance created, perhaps the …

Common Metrics For Web-Based Mapping Applications In Academic Libraries, Ningning Kong, Tao Zhang, Ilana Stonebraker

Libraries Faculty and Staff Scholarship and Research

Purpose – This study aims to establish common metrics for web-based mapping applications to facilitate user decision making and enhance information providers’ product design.

Design/methodology/approach – The metrics were developed from a combination of literature review and case studies. From the literature review, we identified three major areas of assessment for web-based mapping applications. We then studied six online applications to refine the metrics.

Findings – Our results suggest that web-based mapping applications can be evaluated from three major aspects: data content, GIS functionality, and usability. We have developed detailed measures for each factor through our evaluation of the six …