Human–Object Interaction: Development of a Usability Index for Product Design Using a Hierarchical Fuzzy Axiomatic Design

Abstract

Consumer product usability has been addressed using tools that evaluate objects to improve user interaction. However, such diversity in approach makes it challenging to select a method for the type of product being assessed. This article compiles the concepts used since the origin of usability in product design. It groups them by attributes to formulate a usability index proposal. Due to the nature of the data, fuzzy, hierarchical, and axiomatic tools were applied to a trial group of experts and users. Three questionnaires were designed and administered throughout a five-stage process to collect and select attributes, rank them in importance, assign fuzzy values, obtain their numerical representation of use, and assign a qualitative category. By analyzing a case study, this research demonstrates the value of the index by comparing the use of computer mice. Unlike other approaches to evaluating usability, the proposed index incorporates the hierarchical importance of attributes. It allows for participants to express their opinions, transforming subjective responses into linguistic values represented in triangular areas, resulting in a more accurate representation of reality. Additionally, the complexity of the human–object interaction is treated by an information axiom to compute the usability index on a scale from 0 to 1, which reflects the probability of the product meeting the desired usability attributes.

Keywords

• design strategies
• analysis and evaluation
• hierarchical linear models
• industrial design
• usability testing and evaluation