Workload determines the usability of an interface in that a large workload would indicate a poor usability hence measuring the workload determines the usability of an interface. If the mental workload is subjected when using an interface, then the usability of the interface is less. The workload would determine how the user does easily get interactive with the system.
The workload is the amount of effort that a visitor of the website would put before he or she gets to what she specifically wanted. For instance, in the previous evaluation that I made on the disneycruise.disney.go.com, I needed to book a cruise from Alaska to Vancouver. It is evident that more users are attracted to interfaces with a less mental workload.
The workload would refer to the mental cost I made such as time taken to process or view content in an interface, navigation (Internet data), and filling of forms among other activities before I get to the task of accomplishing the booking. For instance, instead of using 4 minutes, I will use like 10 to 20 minutes then a large workload would be subjected to me.
Hence, I would conclude that the usability of the system is poor. The usability is inversely proportional to the workload. If the workload or the amount of effort subjected to the site is large, then the usability is poor. If the workload is less than the usability, then it is excellent. This can be measured in many ways including time and strain of navigating through the site.
Workload also comes in another way when the visitor’s ability is put to the test. More strain put by the user when trying to navigate or find the functionality of the site which is beyond the knowledge, skill, and ability of the user would pose a huge workload. If the user is not able to process. Consequently, it would result to a bad usability of the interface
The mental workload would also help to determine how many operators would be used to interact with the interface. If the mental workload is higher such as in interacting with air traffic controller interface, then multiple operators would be required. If there is less of mental workload to be performed in the interface, then the number of operators would be less or even confined to one person. Therefore, measuring the mental workload is necessary for determining the nature of usability of an interface.
Measuring workload is important in determining the best design of an interface. This is particularly important when it comes to systems that are under development using models such as Agile development cycle. The various designs may be presented to testers whose mental workload would be measured by using various metrics to come up with recommended interface. The best interface would be produced from a design with the least workload. This is necessary when ensuring that the interface under construction is the best one which would subject the visitors in the real-time environment to the interface that would require the least mental workload.
The mental measures include factors like stress. If the visitors are stressed in navigating an interface, then the usability of the interface would be less. This is significant especially to e-commerce interface where complete orders of items would be determined by the usability of the interface of the website. If the visitors find it difficult and challenging to get what they want or in other words the mental workload is large, then the usability would be low and the business benefits obtained from the e-commerce website would be less. Hence, measuring mental workload inform usability of an interface.
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