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System Usability Score (SUS)

A measure of the usability of a product feature or system comprising a ten-item questionnaire providing a global view of subjective assessments.

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TL;DR

The System Usability Score is a crucial metric for evaluating product usability through a standardised questionnaire, offering insights into user satisfaction and areas for improvement. For Product Managers, optimising System Usability Score is key to enhancing user experience, adoption rates, and market success.


Methodology: 

  1. Administer the System Usability Score questionnaire, 
  2. Score each response, 
  3. Calculate the System Usability Score, 
  4. Analyse and interpret the results.

Benefits: 

  1. Objective evaluation of usability, 
  2. Enhanced user satisfaction and retention, 
  3. Informed design and development decisions.

Limitations: 

  1. Limited scope of usability factors, 
  2. Potential for misinterpretation, 
  3. Dependency on user participation and honesty.

INTRODUCTION

The System Usability Score (SUS) is a reliable metric used to evaluate the usability of a product or system. It provides a quick, global view of subjective assessments of usability, measured through a standardised questionnaire that users complete based on their interaction with the system. The System Usability Score questionnaire consists of a series of statements about the system for which respondents indicate their level of agreement on a Likert scale. The resulting score, which can range from 0 to 100, helps gauge the effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction with which users can achieve their goals.

For Product Managers, the System Usability Score is an invaluable tool for assessing the user-friendliness of their products. A high System Usability Score indicates that the product is user-friendly and likely to offer a positive user experience, while a low score may identify areas needing improvement to enhance usability.

Optimising the System Usability Score involves taking a user-centred design approach, focusing on simplifying interfaces, streamlining workflows, and ensuring that the product meets the users' needs in an intuitive way. For Product Managers, improving System Usability Score not only signifies making the product easier to use but also contributes to higher user satisfaction, increased adoption rates, and ultimately, the success of the product in the market.

METHODOLOGY

Measuring the System Usability Scale is a crucial step for evaluating the usability and overall user experience of a product or system. The System Usability Score provides a quick, reliable tool for measuring the usability. It consists of a 10-item questionnaire with five response options for respondents; from Strongly agree to Strongly disagree. This metric is widely used due to its simplicity and broad application across various types of systems and products.

The process of calculating System Usability Score is as follows:

  1. Administer the System Usability Score questionnaire

    Distribute the System Usability Score questionnaire to users after they have had enough experience with your product. The questionnaire includes ten statements about the system's usability, covering a range of usability aspects such as complexity, consistency, and comfort of use.

  2. Score each response

    Responses to each statement are scored on a scale from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For odd-numbered statements, subtract one from the user response. For even-numbered statements, subtract the user responses from 5. This adjustment accounts for the alternating positive and negative nature of the statements.

  3. Calculate the System Usability Score

    After adjusting the scores, sum up the total of all responses for each participant and then multiply by 2.5 to convert the original scores of 0-40 to 0-100:
An equation showing how to calculate the System Usability Score
  1. Analyse and interpret the results

    The System Usability Score can range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better usability. Scores above 68 are considered above average, and scores below 68 are considered below average, but the context of use and the user base can significantly affect what is considered an acceptable score.

In conclusion, the System Usability Scale is a powerful tool for assessing and enhancing the usability of a product. By following this detailed methodology, Product Managers can gain critical insights into their product's usability, benchmark performance against industry standards, and implement targeted improvements that enhance the user experience and satisfaction. This process, when executed effectively, can significantly contribute to the product's success and user adoption.

METHODOLOGY

Measuring the System Usability Scale is a crucial step for evaluating the usability and overall user experience of a product or system. The System Usability Score provides a quick, reliable tool for measuring the usability. It consists of a 10-item questionnaire with five response options for respondents; from Strongly agree to Strongly disagree. This metric is widely used due to its simplicity and broad application across various types of systems and products.

The process of calculating System Usability Score is as follows:

  1. Administer the System Usability Score questionnaire

    Distribute the System Usability Score questionnaire to users after they have had enough experience with your product. The questionnaire includes ten statements about the system's usability, covering a range of usability aspects such as complexity, consistency, and comfort of use.

  2. Score each response

    Responses to each statement are scored on a scale from 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For odd-numbered statements, subtract one from the user response. For even-numbered statements, subtract the user responses from 5. This adjustment accounts for the alternating positive and negative nature of the statements.

  3. Calculate the System Usability Score

    After adjusting the scores, sum up the total of all responses for each participant and then multiply by 2.5 to convert the original scores of 0-40 to 0-100:
An equation showing how to calculate the System Usability Score
  1. Analyse and interpret the results

    The System Usability Score can range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better usability. Scores above 68 are considered above average, and scores below 68 are considered below average, but the context of use and the user base can significantly affect what is considered an acceptable score.

In conclusion, the System Usability Scale is a powerful tool for assessing and enhancing the usability of a product. By following this detailed methodology, Product Managers can gain critical insights into their product's usability, benchmark performance against industry standards, and implement targeted improvements that enhance the user experience and satisfaction. This process, when executed effectively, can significantly contribute to the product's success and user adoption.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the System Usability Score stands as a crucial metric for Product Managers aiming to quantify and enhance their product's usability. By effectively employing System Usability Score, Product Managers can obtain a standardised assessment of user satisfaction and identify pivotal areas for improvement. A high System Usability Score reflects a product that is both efficient and enjoyable to use, signalling a successful user-centred design approach. Conversely, lower scores highlight opportunities to refine the user experience, making it more intuitive and engaging. To maximise the potential of System Usability Score, it is essential to complement it with qualitative feedback, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of user needs and experiences. This strategic approach to usability can lead to significant improvements in user satisfaction, adoption rates, and ultimately, the product's success in the market.

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