Ayumu Hasegawa

Research on river level and rainfall displays based on usability evaluation

Yoko　Matsuda

The purpose of the thesis is to make a prototype and evaluate river level and rainfall displays from the viewpoint of citizen usability.
The method is called the human centered design (HCD) cycle is used for the study.
First, a questionnaire survey was conducted to understand the usage rate of the display. As a result, it was clarified that young residents depend more on the internet to obtain water level information. Next, in order to understand the contents of the river water level and rainfall display, the auther investigated typical display information provided by each prefecture and river offices. As a result, it was clarified that the format of displaying "river cross section" in the water level graph is a commonly used. Next, the auther conducted an interview to clarify the residents' requirements for the display of river level and rainfall displays. As a result, it became clear that there is a big difference in the degree of recognition and understanding of the information depending on whether he or she checks the display regularly.
Finally, based on above studies, improved prototypes were made and compared with the existing display. From the results of the usability test, the improved type was higher in extent of satisfaction and comparative evaluation among all displays. The examinee evaluated the improve type as follows:  The length from the top of embankment to our standpoint is easy to measure the risk level. It is easy to understand because the current state is clearly indicated by color. Therefore, it can be said that the improved prototype made in this study has high usability.