Researching culture and usability - A conceptual model of usability

Abstract

An experiment conducted to determine the effects of subjective culture on the usability of computerized systems did not provide sufficient evidence that any of the tested cultural dimensions affected the usability of the product. Analysis indicated that the differences in scores could have been attributed to variables other than those tested and controlled for. This indicated a need to build a more detailed conceptual model of usability before empirical research of this nature can be effectively carried out. Additional variables influencing usability and strategies for controlling for these variables under experimental conditions were identified and validated. The valid variables were incorporated into a conceptual model of usability for use in future research endeavours. This paper presents this conceptual model as well as strategies to control the variables.