ABSTRACT
Much of the design work aimed at producing user-friendly IT concentrates on the system interface – the look and touch of the system. GUI (graphic user interface) systems and windows formats, for example, have become popular solutions to obtaining user-friendliness. Indeed in one of our sites – Brodies – users were seconded to the IT division to test new front ends and GUI formats for upgrades and new systems. However, usability encompasses more than just the look of the system and having attractive icons on a computer screen. Given that IT systems are sociotechnical, usability cannot be thought of as just a technical issue.
