Improving learnability of high functionality user interfaces through simplification without loss of functionality

Abstract

Justify is a high-functionality web application that helps users clearly state arguments and organize them in a meaningful structure, however due to its complicated user interface and abundance of point types, it is extremely difficult and frustrating to learn and use. Research shows that when presented with an abundance of choices, users are less likely to think through their decision rationally and more likely to regret any decision they make. This thesis proposes that reducing the amount of point types initially provided to the user, grouping them by similarity, and then utilizing "just in time" learning to dynamically introduce them to the user with interactive tutorials will dramatically increase the learnability of Justify, and thus also increase user retention and satisfaction. User testing indicated that these changes in Justify made it easier to learn and more enjoyable to use, when compared to both the older version of Justify and to alternative methods of decision making.