Objective usability evaluation of drywall screwdriver under consideration of the user experience

Abstract

During validation of power tools, one objective is to determine the usability of the device for several applications. A common way to gain this user knowledge is to carry out tests under laboratory conditions with non-professional craftsmen, whereby a non-professional user does not work and evaluate a power tool similarly to a professional. Therefore an experimental study was conducted to investigate the possibility of training non-professionals in the professional working methods and evaluation of relevant key criteria for drywall screwdrivers. 39 subjects were divided into three groups and trained in the professional use of a drywall screwdriver. Results indicate that targeted training significantly improves the professional way of working (professional hand position p = 0.000, β = -0.764) and evaluation (testing of mass distribution p = 0.000, β = -0.731) of a drywall screwdriver. The gained knowledge can be used for the implementation of objective usability test-environments to derive specific and differentiated user-centered development potentials under laboratory conditions.

Keywords: Power tool; Usability testing; User experience; User-centered design.