A usability analysis of portable two-way radios : a dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Applied Computing (Honours) at Lincoln University

Abstract

In this dissertation, the usability of the Tait Orca Eclipse and 5020 (SlimTOP) portable radios was evaluated. User trials were conducted with six users, chosen from a range of different backgrounds. The trials were designed to find the major usability problems; statistical significance of the results was not a priority. A set of usability criteria are suggested and used to analyse the trial results. The trials found several aspects of the interface which caused users some difficulty. For the majority of these aspects, the criteria can explain why these problems occurred. The results of the trials and the critical analysis were used to recommend some possible improvements to the user interfaces of the radios.