365 DAYS AMBIENT INTELLIGENCE IN HOMELAB - Philips Research

Ambient 05-05-2003 12:38 Pagina 24
Looking into THE FUTURE
Boris de Ruyter, Philips Research
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An infrastructure such as HomeLab
allows for early user evaluations of
advanced interaction technologies. Given the
system approach advocated by Ambient
Intelligence these user evaluations require
innovative methodologies and measurement
instruments. Established organisations such
as the Usability Professional’s Organisation
have recognised the need for new approaches
to usability testing [Branaghan, 2001].
Moving towards the conceptualisation,
creation and evaluation of user experiences,
there is a growing need for adequate methods
and tools. Usability criteria such as
effectiveness and efficiency are being
enriched by criteria such as user satisfaction
and experiences.
During the first year of usability research in
HomeLab, Philips has gained insight into
the operationalisation and measurement of
user experiences. Usability research in
HomeLab has been confronted with
advanced and extensive data logging
mechanisms and, due to the complexity of
data gathered, research in HomeLab has
brought advanced data analysis tools into the
evaluation cycle. With these tools, the
behavioural researcher in HomeLab is now
equipped with data mining instruments that
will reveal hidden behavioural patterns
captured inside HomeLab during
observational studies.
Some of the recognised experts in the area of
usability testing, with whom we have been
working, present their vision on future
challenges for usability research in
HomeLab. From the methodological point
of view, Rex Hartson (Virginia Tech)
expresses some interesting usability research
issues. Research challenges with regard to
data collection and analysis instruments are
discussed by Lucas Noldus (Noldus IT). To
conclude, Manfred Tschelig (Center for
Usability Research & Engineering) gives his
view on researching user experiences in
HomeLab.
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