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Use User Usability

UMESH BHURTYAL
PASHCHIMANCHAL CAMPUS
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Use, User, Usability: 3 Hrs

 User centered design of geo data dissemination systems
 Use contexts, user data collection and analysis methods
 Types of map use research
Terms: 3

 Use: प्रयोग
 User: प्रयोगकर्ता
 Usability: उपयोगगर्त
Usability is a quality attribute that assesses how easy user interfaces are
to use.
 Map Use
 Map User
 Map Usability
Cartographic communication 4

process
How do I say what to whom? 5

 In cartography saying is effectuated by using graphic symbols.

What – the information ( map contents ) to be transferred to the map
user
Whom – specific map user
How – by using the grammatical rules of the language of cartographic
symbols (Semiology)
User Centered Map Design 6

UX mapping is a process that narrows the

gap between users’ or customers’ needs
and the product.
For better Understanding UUU 7

 https://www.mdpi.com/2220-9964/4/1/262
Map Users 8

 Educational facilities.
 District and Local Municipalities.
 Estate agents.
 Engineers or Surveyors.
 Tourism Outlets.
 Environmental, Economic & Social Researchers.
 Health Departments.
 News and Media Agencies.
How to Identify map users needs? 9

 Identify the purpose of the map: The first step is to identify the purpose of the map.
Is it to provide directions, display data, or show the location of a specific place?
Understanding the purpose of the map will help you determine the needs of the
map user.
 Identify the target audience: Determine the target audience for the map,
including their age, education level, and interests. Understanding the target
audience will help you create a map that meets their needs and goals.
 Gather user requirements: Gather user requirements by conducting surveys,
interviews, or focus groups. Ask users about their expectations for the map, their
goals when using the map, and any specific features or information they need.
 Analyze user feedback: Analyze the user feedback and identify common themes
and patterns. This will help you prioritize the user requirements and determine the
most important needs and goals of the map user.
 Define the user needs and goals: Use the information gathered from the user
requirements and feedback to define the needs and goals of the map user.
Create user personas to represent the target audience and their needs and goals.
Usability 10

The International Organization for Standardization in its ISO 9241-11

defines usability as

‘The extent to which a product can be used by specified users to

achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction
in a specified context of use’.

In other words, it is the capability of the map to be attractive,

understood, and used under specified conditions.
Usability 11

 Usually, it is measured in three aspects (Faulkner, 2000):

 Effectiveness – the ability of a given system, here a map, to accomplish
the user’s task correctly.
 Efficiency – how quickly the task can be accomplished in a given time
period.
 Satisfaction – the degree of comfort felt by users when executing the
task.
Example: Consideration for user 12

with limited map literacy

 Use simple and clear symbols: Use simple and easily recognizable
symbols on the map, such as dots for locations, lines for roads, and
colors to represent different areas. Avoid using complex symbols or
abbreviations that may be difficult for users to understand.
 Keep it minimal: Keep the map design simple and uncluttered, with only
the essential information displayed. Avoid overloading the map with
unnecessary information, which may confuse users.
 Use a clear legend: Include a clear and concise legend on the map
that explains the meaning of symbols, colors, and other elements. Use
simple language and avoid technical jargon or abbreviations.
 Use familiar orientation: Orient the map to the north, so users can relate
to their surroundings. Use familiar landmarks such as major roads or
buildings to help users understand the map.
Example: Consideration for user 13

with limited map literacy

 Provide context: Provide contextual information, such as the scale
of the map and the location's relationship to nearby cities or
landmarks, to help users understand the map's significance.
 Consider language and translation: Consider the language needs
of your users and provide translations of the map and legend into
the relevant languages. Use clear and simple language in all
translations.
 Test and iterate: Test the map design with a small group of users with
limited literacy or technical skills to get feedback and make
adjustments as needed.
Types of Map Use Research 14

 Map use research is a form of research that aims to understand how

people interact with maps, how they use them, and how they
navigate through spatial information.
 Cognitive map research: This type of research investigates how people
perceive, remember, and use spatial information. Cognitive map
research can involve tasks such as map reading, wayfinding, or spatial
memory tests.

 User needs research: This type of research focuses on understanding the

needs of users when interacting with maps. User needs research can
involve surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather information about
what users need from maps and how they use them.
Types of map use research 15

 Usability testing: This type of research involves testing the usability of maps to
identify any design or functionality issues that may impact user experience.
Usability testing can involve tasks such as finding a location on the map,
interpreting symbols and labels, and navigating through different map views.

 Geographic Information Systems (GIS) research: This type of research

investigates how GIS technology can be used to create, manage, and analyze
spatial data. GIS research can involve data modeling, spatial analysis, and
cartographic design.

 Cartographic research: This type of research focuses on understanding the

principles of cartographic design and how they can be applied to create
effective maps. Cartographic research can involve studying the use of colors,
symbols, and typography, as well as map layout and composition.
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