Initial usability evaluation training for clinical engineering students

Background: We conducted usability evaluation training among clinical engineering students to determine user dissatisfaction with equipment that was difficult to use, and we verified the effectiveness of the training program. Methods We conducted a workshop in which 66 students evaluated the usability of appliances they normally use at home, and they commented on both the good and bad attributes. To verify the effectiveness of usability evaluation training, the comments of 61 students were categorized based on their descriptions, and their levels of comprehensiveness were verified. Additionally, we conducted text mining on 14 students’ comments regarding their impressions of the training program. Results Ninety percent of the students commented on the consistency and suitability of the presentation of information on the subject equipment. This represented a statistically significant higher number of comments than that for the other topics. However, the students were least likely to comment on the ease of listening to and viewing information on equipment displays, with 62% of the students commenting on this aspect. The students’ comments regarding their impressions of the training program included the lessons they had learned and specific plans on how they would apply their training in the future. Conclusions Students could use the target equipment and evaluate their usability while being aware of their cognitive characteristics and mental models throughout the training period. This training program also contributed to providing students with an interest in usability evaluation, its importance, confidence in usability evaluation, and renewed motivation to learn in the future.