Design and Usability Study, Article Review Example

Design and Usability Study of an Iconic User Interface to Ease Information Retrieval of Medical Guidelines Article Review

The authors effectively set the stage for the articles content by providing a brief explanation on the subject matter, DC. This is crucial in allowing the reader understand the importance of the objective, i.e. to integrate elements of VCM in DC. The authors have employed a simple methodology that entails using collection of first-hand data from the chosen sample to generate a basis for the research. This methodology is particularly suited for the research as it involved the most common users of the DC semantic search engine.

The results realized from the experiment with the focus groups reflects a mixed outcome. While information retrieval tasks was considerably successful, the amount of time to find relevant resources using the VCM interface was significantly more. This depicts the potential underlying problems with integrating VCM in DC.

I believe the article highlights an essential aspect of modern day management of tasks by medical physicians. The authors have effectively managed to depict the importance of implementing visualization concepts in medicine into the DC search Engine. While the search engine contains a rich database of information, the authors have managed to depict the difference between the lack of visualization concepts within the search engine and the increased efficiency realized by implementing these concepts

Modern day medicine has a vast database of information pertaining to different conditions, remedies and procedures. As such, it is essential for physicians to be able to retrieve information pertaining to these three elements with the highest possible efficiency. The authors take an interesting approach towards attempting to achieve this. Visualization concepts have been found to increase the ease with which individuals can retrieve information. However, in medicine, the lack of standardized terminology poses a considerable obstacle to effective application of this vast database of information. The authors’ approach attempts to bridge this gap by providing a visual map associated with this vast database of information.

The interface developed by the authors, though effective in information retrieval, lacks a number of elements that would reduce the amount of time taken to realize effective retrieval of information. There is need for considerable development of the interface to increase user friendliness. This problem may stem from the fact that physicians go through different training programs that are specific to the culture where they received training. As such, physicians have differing preferences when it comes to the visual aids employed in the VCM. There is need for further research on the most ideal visual representations of the information available on the DC search engine.

The usability of the final product is determined by the efficiency in mapping of elements of the VCM in the DC search engine. Integrating visual elements such as icons is critical in retrieving adequate information. Aspects such as preferences of different users considerably hinders the realization of maximum usrability.

There is need for detailed definition of the set of features that the interface should support to effectively use structured information available in the DC search engine. This includes the use of content oriented as well as structure and content queries. Furthermore, there is need for the system to ensure relevance feedback where the adhoc tasks provide relevance feedback.

In conclusion, the authors have highlighted an important aspect of modern day information retrieval. As depicted by the results realized from their research, there is considerable need to implement visual concepts in medicine. Not only does it increase the efficiency of information retrieval tasks, it ensures accuracy. However, there is need for further research on the most effective interface design and model that minimizes the amount of time to complete information retrieval tasks. Ideally, the interface should have a system usability score of above 85/100.