The Distributed Cognitive Walkthrough: The Impact of Differences in Cognitive Theory on Usability Evaluation A Thesis

The Distributed Cognitive Walkthrough: The Impact of Differences in Cognitive Theory on Usability Evaluation Joel U. Eden Michael E. Atwood, Ph.D. A primary goal of usability related fields is the creation of products and services that conform to or leverage theoretical views of human cognition. Therefore, most usability related methodologies are directly based on theories of human cognition. Existing user-centered design (UCD) methods are based on cognitivist theoretical views, which hold that the locus of cognition is the brain. Opposing post-cognitivist views within the cognitive science field, such as distributed and extended cognition are not represented in current UCD methods. Our research represents a first step towards understanding the impact of differences between these opposing theories of cognition on usability evaluation and design. In examining the differential impact of opposing cognitive views (cognitivist versus post-cognitivist), three main research questions were explored using two experimental studies. The first experimental study explored the impact of walkthrough evaluation methods with a focus on an individual user versus a focus on interaction between internal and external resources, and the number of users in a scenario on the actionability, usability relevance, and reported severity of usability evaluations. Usability evaluations were conducted by 42 participants using either the Cognitive Walkthrough (representing cognitivist theoretical views) or the Distributed Cognitive Walkthrough (novel method developed as part of this research, representing the distributed and extended cognitive views) with scenarios set in a coffee shop. Use of two-way ANOVA showed a significant