Computer analysis of user session transcripts for evaluation of the human-computer interface

A joint research venture between Virginia Tech´s Dialogue Management Project and the Contel Technology Center (CTC) in Chantilly, Virginia, is discussed. Its goal for the Virginia Tech researchers to provide an interactive tool to be used in CTC´s usability laboratory to aid in analysis of usability test results and improve the human-computer interface. The authors present the interactive tool, called the MRP (maximal repeating pattern) tool, and the technique on which it is based from two viewpoints: that of Virginia Tech and that of Contel. First, from the academic viewpoint, they describe the MRP technique and why such techniques for usability testing are needed, work on the tool done prior to this joint venture, and the tool itself and how it automates the MRP technique. Then, from the industrial viewpoint, they describe why the MRP tool and technique are of interest, what the MRP tool is being used for in the CTC usability lab, and what results are expected from its use