Ermolaeva P., Basheva O., Ermolaeva Y. Possibilities of using usability testing for scientific research in assessing user satisfaction with the activities of environmental digital platforms. Social policy and social partnership. 2020. №9. P. 45-54.

Abstract

This article is aimed at demonstrating the possibilities of using the usability testing method in the framework of research to determine the features of the new forms of digital urban participation by Russians in solving social and environmental problems and conflicts. In particular, the authors investigated the effectiveness of environmental online platforms in the UX research methodology through usability testing of these sites from the perspective of their users. The results of testing showed that both the functionality of these platforms to involve the population in environmental practices and technical limitations prevent users from putting environmental initiatives into practice. The data obtained in the framework of the UX study will allow us to compare the perception of users of online platforms with the conceptual vision of their developers to identify potential biases in the perception of these products by their ideologues and users in order to minimize these gaps. In terms of the increase of scientific knowledge, this study will allow to assess the effectiveness of the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for digital ecoactivists in comparison with traditional (offline) forms of urban participation, to analyze the new strategies and forms of digital participation, and to identify the main advantages and disadvantages of ICTs in minimizing socio-environmental problems and conflicts in the tradition of M. Castells, digital environmental humanities