The Relevancy of Knowledge and the Knowledge of Relevancy: An Information Theory-Based Quantitative Methodology for Evaluating UI Design and Usability

Abstract

Usability evaluation has posed a complex challenge for several decades. Given its significance, there is a pressing need for fundamental theoretical advancements. This paper introduces a novel approach by formulating an information-theory-based methodology for the quantitative and more direct evaluation of user interface (UI) design and usability. The new methodologies fall under the umbrella of the new theoretical framework of Networked Two-way Communication Channels (NTCC). This framework can be seen as an extension of Claude Shannon’s original one-directional communication channel model, incorporating the user's active involvement in the interaction process. The NTCC model holds promise for mathematically modeling the mechanisms of user-to-UI interactions and providing more direct assessments of UI usability.

Keywords: Usability, Information Theory, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), User Interface (UI)

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1005416