Siavash Etemadinezhad, Elahe Amouzadeh, Jamshid Yazdani Charati,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Today, many hardware and software products, including office automation software, and web-based websites are used by employees, including professors and employees of different departments in offices. Websites are considered one of the main competitive advantages in any organization. This study aims to investigate the usability of the Integrated Research Automation System (SYAT): A Heuristic Evaluation.
Methods: The present study was a descriptive- cross- sectional study with a heuristic evaluation performed on the integrated research system software (SYAT) by 3 evaluators. They then evaluated the intensity of each of the ten options and scored from 0 to 4. After each problem was classified as one of the 10 branches of Nielsen's evaluation by the evaluators, similar problems were eliminated and the average scores and the severity of the deterioration of the problems were calculated.
Results: A total of 92 usability problems were identified in evaluating the usability of the web-based software (system) using the components provided by Nielsen. The majority of the issues were related to the detection instead of reminder with 16 problems (17.32%). The lowest number of problems was related to both compatibilities between the system and the real world, and the clarity of the system status with 6 cases (6.52%).
Conclusion: The usability assessment method is inexpensive and simple and the problems caused by websites and applications can be evaluated as feedback to improve them. The more accurate the needs of SYAT system users are, the more effective the system will be and the more satisfied the users will be.
Elaheh Amouzadeh, Siavash Etemadinezhad, Jamshid Yazdani Charati,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics 2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Office automation systems are essential for optimizing administrative processes, reducing human errors, and improving organizational efficiency. However, their effectiveness depends on usability and the quality of user interaction. This study assesses the usability of the Chargoon office automation system at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences using a mixed-methods approach, addressing gaps in prior evaluations of similar systems in Iranian academic settings.
Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, with the quantitative component using the standardized System Usability Scale (SUS) and the qualitative component involving heuristic evaluation based on Nielsen's 10 principles, conducted by 5 UX experts. A total of 240 employees and faculty members were selected through simple random sampling. Performance data, including task completion time and error rates for six frequent tasks, were collected and analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson correlation in SPSS software (version 26).
Results: The mean SUS score was 64.83 (±12.84), indicating acceptable usability with room for improvement. The task “sending a letter to multiple recipients” had the highest error rate (15.2%) and the longest completion time (57.3 seconds). Heuristic evaluation identified 99 issues, primarily in system feedback (25%) and error prevention (20%).
Conclusion: The Chargoon system demonstrates moderate usability but requires targeted improvements in interface design, feedback mechanisms, and error prevention to reduce cognitive load and operational costs in academic settings.
Payam Khanlari, Leila Soliemani, Armita Pak, Elahe Amouzadeh, Seyed Abolfazl Zakerian,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (Iranian Journal of Ergonomics-In Press 2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Occupational anxiety is a critical psychological issue in the workplace, negatively impacting employee mental health, job satisfaction, and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Occupational Anxiety Inventory among Iranian workers.
Methods: A cross-sectional validation study was conducted. The questionnaire was translated into Persian using the forward-backward procedure. Data were collected via online surveys using convenience sampling. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and Composite Reliability (CR). Construct validity was examined through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA), and convergent validity was evaluated using the Average Variance Extracted (AVE). Criterion validity was assessed by examining correlations between occupational anxiety and general anxiety, work-related outcomes, and demographic variables.
Results: The Persian version of the Occupational Anxiety showed excellent internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.95. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index was 0.941, and Bartlett’s test was significant, supporting factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis indicated acceptable factor loadings, and confirmatory factor analysis showed standardized loadings ranging from 0.688 to 0.878. The AVE was 0.66 and CR was 0.951, indicating good convergent validity and reliability. Occupational anxiety was positively correlated with general anxiety (r=0.693) , impaired functioning due to anxiety, sick leave, intention to quit, and history of anxiety and depression. Negative correlations were found with job satisfaction, pay satisfaction, benefits satisfaction, promotion satisfaction, job security, supervisor support, and coworker support.
Conclusion: The Persian version of the Occupational Anxiety Inventory has very favorable psychometric properties. This instrument has the necessary validity and reliability to measure occupational anxiety in the Iranian employee population and is recommended to researchers and occupational health professionals for screening, identifying anxiety dimensions, and developing preventive interventions.
