Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 17, 2025

Iterative Development of an Innovative Smartphone-Based Dietary Assessment Tool: Traqq
Published on: March 19, 2021
Comparison of Formative Evaluation Methods in the Usability Process on the Example of a Medical App
Michael Scholtes1, Katharina Noll1, Keywan Sohrabi1
1TH Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences - Faculty of Health Sciences, Wiesenstraße 14, 35390 Gießen, Germany.
Background:
The process of developing a medical device has become increasingly complex, not least because of the Medical Device Regulation. Some of the associated changes affect in particular the software development companies. One of the challenges to provide safe software products is the usability engineering process. Adequate methods must be identified to find severe usability issues effectively and efficiently.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was a comparison of normative recommended formative evaluation methods.
Methods:
Two expert-based methods and two user-based methods were compared regarding effectiveness in finding issues, the level of detail and the temporal effort.
Results:
The heuristics and the isometrics, both showed a significant advantage regarding the effectiveness and similarity in level of detail and temporal effort.
Conclusion:
Based on this paper, the heuristics and the isometrics, both can be recommended, but further studies are necessary to consolidate this statement. Also, further methods should be considered, and more test persons must be involved to give an overall comparison of formative evaluation methods in the usability process of medical apps.
Related Concept Videos
Nursing Evaluation
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching III: Evaluation and Documentation
Nurses can use several methods to evaluate patient outcomes. For example, oral questions can assess cognitive learning,...
Data Collection III
The principles to begin the physical assessment include conducting a comprehensive or problem-related history in a quiet, well-lit room, emphasizing privacy and comfort for the...
Measurement of Bioavailability: Pharmacodynamic Methods
Methods of Documentation III: PIE
Clinical Trials
There are four phases in a clinical trial. A phase one...

