Checking a Software’s Suitability for Use

Advantages of Software suitable for use

Products or services that are easy to use offer companies and users numerous advantages. When is the requirement for usability fulfilled?

When users can perform their tasks (here: with the software) effectively, efficiently and satisfactorily (DIN EN ISO 9241-11 – “Usability: The extent to which a product can be used by specific users in a specific context of use to achieve specific goals effectively, efficiently and satisfactorily”).

In other words, this means that usable software enables users to achieve their desired results without excessive effort or waste of resources.
A high level of user satisfaction with the software leads to increased loyalty to the product and increased user satisfaction. This in turn has a positive impact on the internal recommendation of this software and can improve the overall image of a product series.
Companies also strive to increase the efficiency of their employees. Improving the usability of a software leads to a reduction in the processing time of tasks. In addition, support costs can be reduced as there are fewer requests due to confusion or problems and the training effort for these products is reduced. If the product is designed to be accessible in addition to usability, it becomes accessible to people with a wide range of abilities.

These benefits can be further enhanced by promoting a positive user experience. The user experience encompasses the entire user experience, from the first impression to the entire interaction, including triggered emotions, to the memories of use that users retain afterwards. Numerous factors, such as design, personalization options and the feeling of (data) security, have a positive influence on the user experience.

Requirements for fit-for-purpose software

The ISO 9241 standard defines ergonomic standards to ensure that software meets the needs of users. It includes various guidelines that focus on dialog design (DIN EN ISO 9241-110), the human-centered design process (DIN EN ISO 9241-210) and the accessibility of the software (DIN EN ISO 9241-171) under various conditions. It also describes the promotion of an iterative design process for the continuous improvement of the product and the consideration of the diversity of users and their needs.

An outstanding example of the crucial relevance of these requirements can be found in the healthcare sector, particularly in medical technology: here, usability is of crucial importance in order to minimize the risk of human error (IEC 62366-1). Compliance with these standards contributes significantly to patient safety and the successful use of medical products. Effective design ensures stable patient care, even in time-critical situations. The integration of accessibility also ensures that all users, regardless of their individual skills, have access to medical care. Overall, meeting the requirements of DIN ISO 9241 makes a significant contribution to ensuring high quality healthcare.

Efficient task fulfillment through suitable-for-Use software

In order to determine the usability of the software, the correct selection of the methods to be used is essential and has a decisive influence on the resulting costs. It is often possible to gain extensive insights with just a few resources. A good option is the combination of interviews and subsequent evaluation, which can uncover a large proportion of existing usability problems. An expert review is also conceivable as an alternative if the budget is limited.

Practical example: Why investments in suitability pay off

We have chosen a potential investment in a time recording system as an illustrative example.

The assumption is that each employee books the working time/blocks in the software three times a day and needs 25 seconds to do so. By identifying and subsequently correcting violations of the usability requirements, five seconds can be saved per booking. If the time saved is extrapolated to all employees for a year, the potential savings are enormous.

Let’s compare the costs saved with those of the UX work (to create suitability for use):

And as a metaphor, the software ergonomics and user experience can be compared to navigating a well-designed and user-friendly hiking trail. Promoting a positive user experience means creating an enjoyable, meaningful and memorable hiking experience.
Usable software is like high-quality equipment that enables users to reach their goals without getting lost in unnecessary difficulties or expending excessive energy. Improving the usability of the software also corresponds to the maintenance and labeling of the trail, resulting in shorter walking times, less getting lost (lower support costs and training efforts) and barrier-free access for different types of users. Positive user experiences can trigger recommendations for the software, similar to how enthusiastic hikers recommend their favorite equipment.

Conclusion

The ISO 9241 standard establishes essential ergonomic standards for usable software, emphasizing the human-centered design process and the relevance of accessibility in business applications. In the healthcare sector in particular, these standards are indispensable for minimizing human error and ensuring high-quality patient care.

The benefits and standards outlined illustrate the long-term strategic importance of investing in usability. A practical example illustrates impressively how even minor improvements in usability can add up to considerable savings and user satisfaction at company level. Investing in usability is therefore not just a short-term measure, but a long-term success strategy with positive effects on various company dimensions.

Authors: Caroline Willkomm, Stefan Klotz and Nicole Charlier

Sources:

DIN-Taschenbuch 354 – Software-Ergonomie

IEC 62366-1:2015 Medical devices – Part 1: Application of usability engineering to medical devices