Usability is the ease of use and learnability of a human-made object. The object of use can be a software application, website, book, tool, machine, process, etc.
The research team at the National Center for Cognitive Informatics and Decision Making in Healthcare, based upon an evidence review, proposed these 14 usability principles which may guide the design and implementation of EHRs:
1. Consistency—Design consistency and standards utilization 2. Visibility—System state visibility 3. Match—System and world match 4. Minimalism—Minimalist design 5. Memory—Memory load minimization 6. Feedback—Informative feedback 7. Flexibility—Flexible and customizable system 8. Message—Useful error messages 9. Error—Use error prevention 10. Closure—Clear closure 11. Reversibility—Reversible actions 12. Language—User language utilization 13. Control—User control 14. Documentation—Help and documentation
The usability of the system is probably the most important factor in making an informed choice of which EHR to use for your practice. Most every bit of software says that it is easy to use, but how can you choose an EHR that is actually usable?
Analogies have been a major part of how we explain usability, user experience and/or design thinking to audiences and clients (and potential clients). Many of these analogies involve automotive technology ( see e.g. Crash-test dummies and the Usability of EHRs http://www.theusabilitypeople.com/thought_leadership/crash-test-dummies-... ).
We've often blogged about Section 508 compliance as a means to convince very engineering-centric developers to consider their users.
While watching the video feed from the recent ONC annual conference we were very glad to see the closed captions because we were able to watch and understand while multitasking on one of THOSE conference calls that seemed to go on and on forever.
Accessible designs work for everyone - see also Universal Design. Ever use a curb-cut?
It was a pleasure to work with you, as you and your team made this process a more pleasant experience for our team and the participants.
Karen Perry
I just want to tell you that I value people relations more than money. I remember how you were friendly and helpful not going against policies and contractual obligations at the same time, not using your power to make us feel stupid and small. It was a very rare and big experience for me. Really. I will always remember this.
Alex
The Usability People are all individuals that you can become friends with very easily. They have a lot of different interests and are a pleasure to work with. I was writing a PRD/MRD for a billing solution and worked with The Usability People in defining the user interface. They are receptive to ideas and are able to mold the user interface from an end-user's perspective. I really liked the idea of putting end-user photograph & short biography around the office to help understand the users
