An empirical usability evaluation of the Human Factors website

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to conduct an empirical design and user perception analysis of the website for the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES), and to use this information to make relevant design recommendations for improving the quality of the website. As the central hub for online interactions with the society, it is important that hfes.org effectively and efficiently communicate messages and highlight its activities concerning its membership, publications, and services. The goal of this paper is not to present a caustic review of the Society’s shortcomings, but offer a critical analysis, supported by literature and data, of various website design elements that may be holding HFES back from maintaining a professional web presence, and to illustrate why maintaining a professional web presence is beneficial for the HFES community at large. The present paper outlines an empirical usability evaluation of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society website, hfes.org . An initial proposal and method for data collection are outlined. Results of the study will be presented the Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.