Summary

This topic has introduced a key HCI concept, usability: the quality of the system in use. Usability contributes to the usefulness and ultimately the acceptance of interactive computer systems. The context of use determines the importance of factors for different types of system. A set of six key factors has been presented here, but many other exist. These factors provide a language for discussing the usability of systems. In your readings you have encountered the benefits that can be gained and the problems that can occur when usability is adequately considered or neglected.