Presentation
Pairing Usability Performance and Embedded User Engagement: Developing a GIS System for Environmental Data Exploration
DescriptionGeographic Information Systems, or GIS tools, help experts combine maps, data, and analysis to understand complex problems such as water planning. However, these systems are often difficult to learn and use because they contain many layers, settings, and technical features. This paper describes the development and testing of a new GIS platform that brings together 21 Arizona water datasets to support exploration, decision-making, and collaboration.
Rather than building the tool only from a technical perspective, the project used a human-centered process called the Catalyst UX framework. This framework included early stakeholder workshops, a technical working group of water data professionals, and a usability study with representative users. Stakeholders first identified real use cases and important features. The technical working group then helped the development team focus on the most useful functions and avoid unnecessary complexity. Finally, a usability study tested whether the minimum viable product supported real workflows.
The study found that users completed most tasks successfully and rated the system as acceptable for an early-stage expert tool. It also identified bugs and 36 areas for improvement. Overall, the paper shows how repeated user engagement can make complex environmental data systems more useful, trustworthy, and ready for future adoption.
Rather than building the tool only from a technical perspective, the project used a human-centered process called the Catalyst UX framework. This framework included early stakeholder workshops, a technical working group of water data professionals, and a usability study with representative users. Stakeholders first identified real use cases and important features. The technical working group then helped the development team focus on the most useful functions and avoid unnecessary complexity. Finally, a usability study tested whether the minimum viable product supported real workflows.
The study found that users completed most tasks successfully and rated the system as acceptable for an early-stage expert tool. It also identified bugs and 36 areas for improvement. Overall, the paper shows how repeated user engagement can make complex environmental data systems more useful, trustworthy, and ready for future adoption.
Event Type
Lecture
TimeWednesday, October 21st3:40pm - 4pm PDT
Location
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