Understanding and Measuring System Usability: A Comprehensive Guide

23 Jun 2024

In today's digital age, where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the importance of user-friendly systems cannot be overstated. Whether it's a website, a mobile application, or any other software interface, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience is paramount to success. However, achieving optimal usability is not a matter of chance; it requires a systematic approach to measurement and improvement.

This is where the concept of "cara menghitung skor SUS," which translates to "how to calculate the SUS score" in Indonesian, comes into play. The System Usability Scale (SUS) is a widely recognized and highly effective tool for quantifying the usability of a system. By employing this standardized questionnaire, developers, designers, and researchers can gain valuable insights into users' perceptions of a system's ease of use, efficiency, and overall satisfaction.

The SUS score provides a numerical representation of usability, ranging from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better usability. This quantitative measure allows for objective comparisons between different versions of a system or even between different systems altogether. By tracking SUS scores over time, organizations can measure the impact of design changes, identify areas for improvement, and ultimately enhance the overall user experience.

The origins of the SUS can be traced back to the 1980s, when John Brooke, a usability expert, developed this simple yet powerful tool to address the need for a quick and efficient method of evaluating system usability. Since its inception, the SUS has gained widespread adoption across various industries and has become a cornerstone of usability testing. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its ease of use, versatility, and proven effectiveness in providing actionable insights.

The importance of measuring and improving system usability cannot be overstated. In today's competitive landscape, where user experience can make or break a product's success, investing in usability testing is no longer optional but rather an essential aspect of the development process. By understanding and addressing usability issues early on, organizations can avoid costly redesigns, reduce user frustration, and ultimately enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the SUS

Advantages	Disadvantages
Easy to administer and score. Provides a quantitative measure of usability. Widely recognized and accepted.	May not capture all aspects of usability. Can be influenced by factors other than usability. Interpretation of scores requires context.

In conclusion, understanding how to calculate and interpret the SUS score is essential for anyone involved in creating or improving digital systems. By embracing usability testing and incorporating user feedback, organizations can create products that are not only functional but also enjoyable and intuitive to use. Remember, a user-centered approach is crucial for success in today's technology-driven world.