Using the LUCID method to optimize the acceptability of shared interfaces

The Logical User Centred Interface Design (LUCID) method has been shown to provide a development approach which is both user-centred and which, with respect to selected usability criteria, leads to the identification of the optimum interface. Previously published evidence has focused on factors internal to the design of the interface itself. In this paper, the authors show how Taguchi techniques for total quality management, which are integrated within the method, can be extended to analyse external factors such as diversity within the user groups of shared interfaces. Application of the method to global, international and local interfaces is discussed.