Perspectives on Usability Testing with IoT Devices in Technical Communication Courses

ABSTRACT

This article offers perspectives on adopting smart home technology into usability testing for technical and professional communication (TPC) courses. Usability is a valued skill for technical communicators. However, usability testing methods have their problems as pedagogical tools. Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices and Smart Home Technology (SHT) may offer instructors tools to overcome some of those problems. This article details advantages and concerns associated with using SHT for curricular usability testing.

KEYWORDS:

• Usability testing
• UX design
• pedagogy
• internet of things
• smart home technology

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the Center for Science, Technology and Society at Missouri University of Science and Technology for funding that helped to make possible the research discussed in this article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Center for Science, Technology, and Society. Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Notes on contributors

David Wright

David Wright is a Professor of Technical Communication at Missouri University of Science and Technology. His teaching and research interest include technology diffusion, digital communication, game studies, and usability studies.