Formalized approaches to assessing the usability of the user interface of web applications

The paper proposes an approach based on the use of mathematical methods for modeling behavior designed web application and user behavior. This allows evaluation usability this application. discusses models interfaces (UI), which are used to assess convenience site navigation. possibility using two classes UI is shown – structural-logical (ontological) probabilistic. Models first class degree comprehensibility proposed navigation search resource in accepted terms. For this, mathematically defined measures similarity between elements their relationships a hypothetical (but plausible) model user’s perception area given subject used. In particular, substantiates Jaccard Levenshtein lexicographic distance metrics as such similarity. Probabilistic Markov chains. With help these models, presence reliable statistical data collected during trial operation or its prototype, it estimate average number steps required solve specific problem finding information about object. provides some recommendations improve applications. addition, technique estimating probabilities transitions chains semantic connections presented. To clarify features analysis article, website RTU MIREA Admission Committee (https://priem.mirea.ru) provided with fairly simple organization that admission training at University. described paper, along traditional testing UI, will increase overall level applications, thereby reduce cost identifying correcting related errors.