The usability component of a framework for the evaluation of OO CASE tools

The aim of the paper is to derive a framework for the evaluation of object oriented (OO) computer aided software engineering (CASE) tools. Some existing evaluation frameworks and methodologies are discussed. Two orthogonal classification hierarchies are derived: an inheritance hierarchy of OO CASE tool categories, and a usability criteria classification hierarchy for the evaluation of the graphical user interface (GUI) of OO CASE tools. The evaluation criteria are of general utility and could be applied to other classes of CASE tool. The proposed evaluation framework enhances support for usability assessment and could easily be extended in response to new advances and changes in CASE and HCI technologies.