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HELSINKI UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Faculty of Information and Natural Sciences
Degree Programme of Computer Science and Engineering
ABSTRACT OF MASTER’S THESIS
Author
Date
Sampo Teräs 25.8.2008
Pages
7+95+11
Title of thesis
Usability disquisition of travel management system of Helsinki University of Technology
Professorship
Professorship Code
Usability and User Interfaces T-121
Supervisor
Prof. Marko Nieminen
Instructor
Lic.Sc. Mika P. Nieminen
The purpose of this work is to research the usability and use related matters such as use
context and user needs of the travel management system of the Helsinki University of Technology.
The present system is evaluated and enhancements are presented to develop the current system.
This work also covers the travel management system related usability of other information systems
used in the Helsinki University of Technology.
Research is done by gathering and analyzing user information. User information is gathered
with observation, interviews, questionnaires and web forum. Observation and interview was
made with the Master-Apprentice approach in the user's work environment to examine the actual
use context. Questionnaires were used to collect numeric data from user satisfaction. Web forum
was used to maintain group discussion. The main focus of the research was on observation and
interviews.
Gathered data was categorized and organized with affinity diagram. This was used as a
base for modeling the work environment and tasks. The user groups were classified and their information
needs and activities were defined. Phenomena were presented with scenarios. Task diagram
and sequence model were used to describe work tasks and the work process. User's connections
with people, information and artifacts were categorized with interaction diagram.
Analysis held the user context, but also problems were identified and ideas for their solutions
were produced. The usability of the system was evaluated and specifications of user needs
were constructed. Conclusions and suggestions were made based on the results.
The most significant problems were related to differences between information and skills
of user groups and the abnormal technical solutions. Problems contained difficulties with password
system, constant need for assistance and need for time and space independent use. Evaluation
showed lack of learnability and effectiveness. Suggested solutions include making the layout
and functionality of the interface clearer and adding guidance, tips, shortcuts and automation. Also
the demands of user groups should be reformed.
Keywords
Information system, travel management, usability, usability research, user need, user satisfaction,
work process
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