Diagnosing problems with the user interface for a strategic planning fuzzy DSS

Stratassist, a prototype fuzzy decision-support system (DSS) for strategic planning, was tested using the research hypothesis that subjects performing a task with the help of a DSS would produce better strategy statements than the control groups. Results supported this hypothesis. Two-factor analysis of variance revealed interaction effects between the treatment levels and the subject work experience levels that merited further study. Since the fuzzy DSS is meant to be used by a variety of planning analysts and executives, it was important to understand why these reactions occurred. Discriminant analysis of demographic information and followup questionnaire responses identified characteristic profiles with which to diagnose and correct problems in the user interface. These results suggested that a color graphics module under development may enhance user satisfaction