The Evaluation of Skyroom virtual meeting Software user interface

The aim was to evaluate Skyroom’s user interface, and to find its strengths and weaknesses.

The study was an applied one. To evaluate the user interface, the heuristic method was used. In a heuristic study, 3 to 15 experts evaluate the user interface. In this study, 10 software expert evaluators from the Computer Center of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (FUM) evaluated the Skyroom's user interface based on Nielsen criteria. Data collection tools included a checklist and a researcher-made questionnaire based on Nielsen’s ten criteria. In the study, after the checklist filled in by the researchers, and the questionnaire were filled in by the experts, an interview was conducted with them through Skyroom program. Its strengths and weaknesses were revealed in the interview.

In the study, 12 major strengths and 17 major weaknesses were revealed in the Skyroom's user interface. The findings also showed that 66% of the criteria were met, but the severity of compliance with the criteria was 2.61 out of 5, which was at a moderate level with 95% confidence. Also, its user interface had a fundamental problem in the criteria of “error prevention (error correction)”, “flexibility and efficiency of use” and “documentation”, as well as "limiting the choices", "offering a choice", "creating history and content previously visited", "having shortcuts for professionals", "teaching shortcuts for newcomers to learn" and so on, and needs paying more attention.

According to experts, the problems explored can be problematic for the program and may also cause user boredom, confusion and ultimately their non-use. Therefore, it is recommended that Skyroom developers solves the explored problems.