Abstract:
As computers and applications have evolved to be used by vast populations, user experience and user interface have become central considerations in the development of software in order to accommodate users' expectations and needs. This study focused on the comparison of an older DOS application (DOS Goldman) and a newly developed native, web-based application (Neurolab). Ball State University Physiology 215 students used the applications as part of an educational lab, and measurements of the amount of explanation required for use and the ease of navigation of the applications were recorded by survey. The results showed that the DOS Goldman application required more explanation and was more difficult to navigate than Neurolab. These results were extrapolated to conclude that considerations of user experience and user interface are critical when designing software applications since today's users have higher expectations of software and its usability.