The Usablity Rating of Shopping Centers research project aims to develop usability rating index measurement tool for evaluating and developing the usability of shopping centers. The usability of shopping centers is approached both from the perspective user organizations and individual consumers.

The measurement tool is developed by applying the definition of usability according to ISO 9241:
"A system can be said to be usable when specified users in specified circumstances with specified goals, can use it with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction. Effectiveness means the accuracy and completeness with which users achieve specified goals. Efficiency is described as the resources expended in relation to the accuracy and completeness with which users achieve goals. Thirdly the satisfaction is the comfort and acceptability of use."

Research questions are:

1. How shopping centers and their functional requirements have changed nationally and internationally?
2. How to define the usability of shopping centers?
3. How to measure the usability of shopping centers?
4. How to apply this knowledge in business development in national and international markets?

The outcomes of the project are usability rating index measurement tool and software as well as case reports for case shopping centers. This information is also comparable. The project provides new knowledge for shopping centers usability, which is applicable for different phases: design and planning, construction and finally maintaining, using and developing shopping centre. The academic outcome includes material for doctoral thesis, two masters thesis and few bachelor thesis as well as three articles.

The project has four phases: First the definition of usability of shopping centers and investigation of factors interviews and literature reviews. Next phase consist on developing usability index measurement tool and pilot testing it. Third phase includes the case studies and in fourth phase the reporting is made.

The project is made in co-operation with TKK, Helsinki University of Technology and VTT, Technical Research Centre of Finland. The international research partners are in linkage with international research Usability of Workplaces (CIB W 111).

The time schedule for the project is from October 2006 to June 2008.

 

For further information please contact Suvi Nenonen.

 

last updated: 21-Nov-2006