Questionnaire for User Interface Satisfaction

Acronym
QUIS
Description

The questionnaire for user interface satisfaction (QUIS) elicits user opinions and evaluates user acceptance of a computer interface. The questionnaire asks the user to rate the interface in areas such as ease of use, consistency, system capability, and learning. The questions relate to human-computer interfaces and responses are normally measured on an ascending scale from 1 to 10.

Uses

To get users' opinions regarding the usability of an interface.

To evaluate user acceptance of a human-computer interface.

How do I use this tool?

1. IDENTIFY USER SAMPLE. It is best if the sample is representative of the target or typical users of the interface.

2. DEFINE THE REPRESENTATIVE TASK LIST FOR THE SYSTEM UNDER ANALYSIS. Ensure the list is comprehensive and exhaustive. Ideally a hierarchical task analysis (HTA) will be used to develop this list.

3. QUIS BRIEFING SESSION. Brief the participants by explaining the purpose of the analysis and how to fill out the questionnaire. Go over the task list and questionnaire with the participants to ensure there are not items that will cause them confusion later.

4. TASK PERFORMANCE. Give the participants the task list and ask them to go through the tasks in the order they are specified, performing each task. The participants should do this independently without talking with one another. They should continue performing the tasks until they have completed each task on the list.

5. ADMINISTER QUIS QUESTIONNAIRE. After the participants have completed going through each task, demonstrate how to fill out the QUIS questionnaire and then have the participants complete it. The analysts may assist the participants if anything is unclear, though the participants should not talk amongst each other.

6. CALCULATE GLOBAL AND SUBSCALE QUIS SCORES. Begin scoring the questionnaires once they are completed. Some analysts calculate both an overall QUIS score and separate scores for each sub-scale (system capability, learning, and so forth).

Expertise Required
Users of this tool usually have some training or experience in its use.
Advantages

Is effective even when the sample size is small.

Provides powerful data when the correct sample has been used.

Is easy, quickly applied, and required minimal training.

Provides useful feedback of user opinions and attitudes about the system.

Disadvantages

Is limited to the human-computer interaction (HCI) domain.

Where can I go to learn more?

Stanton N, Salmon P, Walker G, et al. Interface analysis methods. Human factors methods: a practical guide for engineering and design. Great Britain: Ashgate; 2005. p. 431-81.