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The tests utilized the Usability Laboratory located at HUT. Both qualitative and quantitative research
methods were used in the study. The three major methods were observation, interviewing and
survey-questionnaire. The evaluation focused on the following issues:
- Usability: User perception on system friendliness and ease-of-use
- User Satisfaction: User perception on quality of service of the system
- System Responsiveness: Thresholds on traffic loads, delays etc.
Test Setup
Staging of the Usability Laboratory at HUT
Usability Laboratory was staged to look like a modern hotel room (see image). Several test users with different
backgrounds; ages and skill levels participated in the trials. Each subject read the scenario
background story and completed the task assigned in it. User action was monitored (recorded) with
four hidden cameras. After the test, a semi-structured interview was carried out.
Results
Most of the users were quite satisfied with the service provided and commented that the general idea
was very promising. The automated service discovery could be used for example on business trips or
holidays. It could also be useful for older people and people with disabilities (i.e., hearing impaired
etc.).
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