Automated Tool for Assessing Usability in Systems (A-TAUS)

In this proposal, TiER1 Performance Solutions and Alion Science and Technology offer to develop A-TAUS (Automated Tool for Assessing Usability in Systems) to assist DHS engineers in improving usability without the burden of learning numerous disconnected tools. A primary goal of Phase I is to develop a proof-of-concept prototype that includes a research-based organizing framework for analyzing usability problems, all within an integrated suite of usability engineering support tools. A-TAUS will support usabilityproblem extraction by isolating individual usability problems from the raw data associated with observational usability. This isolation process will enable usability problems to be systematically and structurally analyzed to achieve precise, complete problem reporting. A-TAUS also will support the integration of design guidelines across the system design lifecycle and allow DHS engineers to easily apply guidelines to specific usability-design situations. Finally, the sophistication of the proposed software tools will require accompanying capabilities for user training and long-term support. DHS personnel must have confidence not only in the theoretical underpinnings of their tools but also in the long-term commitment of the tool providers to provide support. Our approach will ensure that usability engineers will understand the benefits provided by the tools and how to use them effectively.