An Evaluation Procedure for Human-Computer Interface Development Tools

Human-computer interface development tools--often called user interface management systems or UIMS--are interactive systems that support production and execution of the human-computer interface. Despite their proliferation, no method exists for their systematic evaluation or comparison. We have developed an evaluation procedure that uses a standardized technique to produce quantifiable criteria for evaluating and comparing human-computer interface development tools. The procedure produces ratings along two dimensions: functionality and usability. Specification/implementation techniques used by the tool are also quantitatively rated. An empirical study indicates that the procedure produces reliable results. The procedure is already being used in one commercial environment.