Assessment Model for HCI Practice Maturity in Small and Medium Sized Software Development Companies

Usability and user experience aspects need to be better integrated during software process improvements in the software industry. This study develops and evaluates a comprehensive continuous representation model for conducting peer and self-assessment of HCI practice in software development companies. In this paper, we report on the evolution of an HCI practice assessment model that can be used in software development projects and processes. The specific focus of the model is on the human-centered design practice in four categories: Human-centredness; Process and Infrastructure; Design and Outcomes; and Usability Impact. In order to know whether the model would be beneficial to companies, we conducted two case studies in Estonian software companies. The outcomes indicate that the model can help to increase HCI awareness, self-learning and sharing of a common vision among software practitioners and propel companies towards goal setting for continuous improvement of their HCI practice.