Intra- and inter-cultural usability in computer-supported collaboration.

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2010
Authors
Vatrapu, Ravi
Suthers, Daniel D.
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Abstract
In this paper, we argue for an increased scope of universal design to encompass usability and accessibility for not only users with physical disabilities but also for users from different cultures. Towards this end, we present an empirical evaluation of cultural usability in computer-supported collaboration. The premise of this research is that perception and appropriation of socio-technical affordances vary across cultures. In an experimental study with a computer-supported collaborative learning environment, pairs of participants from similar and different cultures (American-American, American-Chinese, and Chinese-Chinese) appropriated affordances and produced technological intersubjectivity. Cultural usability was analyzed through the use of performance and satisfaction measures. The results show a systemic variation in efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction between the two cultural groups. Implications of these findings for the research and practice of usability, in general, and cultural usability, in particular, are discussed in this paper.
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affordances, apperception/perception/appropriation of affordances, comparative informatics, culture, cultural usability, computer supported intercultural collaboration, computer supported collaborative learning, technological intersubjectivity
Citation
Vatrapu, R., & Suthers, D. D. (2010). Intra- and inter-cultural usability in computer-supported collaboration. Journal of Usability Studies, 5(4), 172-197.
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