Exploring the Influence of End-Users' Lived Experience on Usability Problem Detection: A Case Study of the Pregnancy and Work App.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Exploring the Influence of End-Users' Lived Experience on Usability Problem Detection: A Case Study of the Pregnancy and Work App.
Authors: van den Berg, Liesbeth A. (AUTHOR), van Beukering, Monique D. M. (AUTHOR), A. de Leeuw, Robert (AUTHOR), Peute, Linda W. (AUTHOR)
Source: International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. May2026, Vol. 42 Issue 10, p7682-7697. 16p.
Subjects: User experience, Mobile health, Participatory design, Computer software usability, User-centered system design, Protocol analysis (Cognition), Experiential learning, Mobile apps
Abstract: Usability evaluation studies require participants representative of the target group to ensure validity and reliability. Lived experience is a relevant characteristic in co-design studies, but its impact on usability testing outcomes is unclear. This mixed-methods usability study subgroup analysis examines the influence of lived experience (primigravida or multigravida) on usability testing outcomes using the Think Aloud method for a pregnancy mHealth application. Twelve pregnant women participated, categorized as primigravida (novices) or multigravida (experts). Usability issues were analyzed using the Usability Problems Taxonomy and Nielsen's severity scale. Think Aloud performance metrics (thoroughness, validity, and effectiveness) were compared. Only 18% of the overall usability problems were detected by both groups. A Fisher's exact test indicated a significant association between group and problem detection (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in Think Aloud validity, SUS, IMI, or app grading. Future studies should consider lived experience in participant selection to enhance usability evaluation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Description
Abstract:Usability evaluation studies require participants representative of the target group to ensure validity and reliability. Lived experience is a relevant characteristic in co-design studies, but its impact on usability testing outcomes is unclear. This mixed-methods usability study subgroup analysis examines the influence of lived experience (primigravida or multigravida) on usability testing outcomes using the Think Aloud method for a pregnancy mHealth application. Twelve pregnant women participated, categorized as primigravida (novices) or multigravida (experts). Usability issues were analyzed using the Usability Problems Taxonomy and Nielsen's severity scale. Think Aloud performance metrics (thoroughness, validity, and effectiveness) were compared. Only 18% of the overall usability problems were detected by both groups. A Fisher's exact test indicated a significant association between group and problem detection (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in Think Aloud validity, SUS, IMI, or app grading. Future studies should consider lived experience in participant selection to enhance usability evaluation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:10447318
DOI:10.1080/10447318.2025.2560523