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updated October 2, 2009
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New Laboratory Giving Rose-Hulman Computer Science & Software
Engineering Students Insight on User-Centered Design Process
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Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology students are now exploring how people
use computers and software through a new Usability Laboratory, donated to
the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering by Rockwell
Collins through its trusted partnership program.
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Examining Product Testing: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
computer science and software engineering students join John Moore,
systems engineer for Rockwell Collins, in examining a computer user
in a nearby room -- showcasing one of the many capabilities of the
new Usability Laboratory. |
As technology increasingly plays a central role in computer product line
development, usability takes center stage as a key discriminator in the
marketplace. More usable products, as perceived by the customer, are
purchased over those that have usability deficiencies.
A student’s ability to understand and learn how different persons can and
should use various systems depends on their ability to observe people and
situations in a clear and precise way. The Usability Lab provides a relevant
environment for exploring and learning these key engineering concepts. It
has two separate components: In one room, a computer user is given the
opportunity to use a software program in a set of assigned tasks; and at the
same time, student researchers are next door studying the computer user’s
every move through recordable video and audio devices.
“The usability process lets students be active observers –- a backseat
driver so to speak –- as someone takes the software for a test drive. If the
user makes a wrong turn and gets lost, it is good to learn it at the
beginning of the software development process,” observed Tori Wenger, a
senior engineering manager for Rockwell Collins and a 2004 Rose-Hulman
computer science graduate.
With the lab, observations of a person’s interactions will allow students to
modify software designs toward usability and efficiency goals, reducing
errors, speed of operation and speed to insight.
“This understanding will allow our students to design better software
systems that people will find easier to use,” stated Cary Laxer, head of the
Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering.
Most computer science programs are not equipped with a Usability Lab and
lack the infrastructure to train the students on this vital skill, according
to Shawn Bohner, director of software engineering. Establishing a usability
lab will provide an advantage to Rose-Hulman students, and attract new
students into the computer science and software engineering programs.
“Given the current market conditions, usability is fast becoming critical to
the success of software systems. It has become imperative for a modern day
software engineer to be well versed in the user-centered design process,”
Bohner stated.
The laboratory, located in Moench Hall, will provide usability testing
experiences for students in computer science and software engineering
bachelor degree programs. A related objective is to use the lab in the
software engineering program to convey key user-centered design principles.
“As a computer scientist or software developer, the lab opens your eyes to
what the user is thinking from the minute the person touches the (computer)
mouse. It allows you to formulate and record a better usability measurement
than a simple user satisfaction survey, and provides a wealth of research
information about a software program,” stated Sean Marriner, a senior
software engineering major.
Software engineering students will use the lab as part of their required
coursework, and there are plans to allow Rose-Hulman students to utilize the
lab in an international collaborative project with Sweden’s Uppsala
University.
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Opening Unique Opportunities: Shawn Bohner, director of software
engineering for the Department of Computer Science and Software
Engineering, thanked Rockwell Collins for helping add another unique
quality to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's academic programs. |
Also, the laboratory will allow Rose-Hulman to build a focal area for
usability-related undergraduate research, senior projects and special
projects. Other academic areas expected to utilize the laboratory will be
applied biology and biomedical engineering, in the area of human factors
studies; mechanical engineering and computer engineering, through Rose-Hulman’s
new robotics certificate program; the Office of Institutional Research,
Planning and Assessment, which collaborates on studies with human subjects;
and Rose-Hulman Ventures, which will allow for the closer examination of
software development projects. Rose-Hulman officials believe the lab will
also inspire younger students about the possible uses of technology through
applied informatics.
Sriram Mohan, assistant professor of computer science and software
engineering, points out that 90 percent of Rose-Hulman’s computer science
and software engineering graduates go to work in software development jobs,
and nearly all with engineering-related companies and companies producing
software products.
Rockwell Collins is a pioneer in the development and deployment of
innovative communication and aviation electronic solutions for both
commercial and government applications. The Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based company
specializes in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics, mission
communications, information management and simulation and training.
Rose-Hulman is one of Rockwell Collins’ trusted partnership colleges, which
gives the company an opportunity to support one of the nation’s top colleges
for undergraduate engineering, science, computer science and mathematics.
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