The Usability Evaluation Of Human-Computer Interactive User Interface Of Bilingual Alignment Software

At present, the usability problems of bilingual alignment software are not given much attention by its designers though its various functions are maximumly realized. The study of usability evaluation for user interface of bilingual alignment software is not only helpful for the improvement of translators’efficiency but also for the promotion and popularization of translation technology. How to improve the usability of bilingual alignment software based on translators’cognitive characteristics and user-centered interface design is a significant issue that needs further discussion.This thesis is mainly directed towards the research of usability evaluation for user interface of bilingual alignment software. First of all, the usability evaluation metrics specialized for the bilingual alignment software are brought up on the basis of summarization of human-computer interaction theories, the definition of usability, usability evaluation metrics and usability evaluation methods. Secondly, after detailed comparisons of current usability evaluation methods, appropriate usability evaluation strategies are selected according to the practicality of this research. Thirdly, the bilingual alignment software WinAlign is taken as the representative research object and the usability evaluation tests for its user interface are subsequently conducted. Quantitative results are acquired through the performance of typical tasks by test users and their whole operation actions are specifically recorded for task analysis at the same time. After the test, all test users are required to fill in the QUIS (Questionnaire for User Interface Satisfaction) for the tester to get better understanding of users’ effective feedback towards the interface design, relevant operation and the influence of usability evaluation metrics on user satisfaction. At last, the improvement method of paper prototyping is applied to put forward corresponding design adjustment under the guidance of the overall improvement dimensions for the usability of user interface of bilingual alignment software.Based on the analysis of collected data from test users, three main conclusions of the study are drawn as follows:(1) The evaluation metrics specified for bilingual alignment software is constructed through literature review which includes five dimensions:visual clarity, flexibility, learnability, consistency and user help;(2) There is a significant difference in the perception of the importance of the five dimensions of usability between novice and skilled users;(3) The positive impact of five dimensions on user satisfaction is confirmed. The dimension of consistency has the most obvious effect.