Usability Capability Models — Review and Analysis

Usability capability models are used for assessing the ability of development organisations to develop usable products. We have identified quality criteria for usability capability models and analysed the strengths and weaknesses of the existing models. The analysis reveals that there are differences both in the quality of the structure of the models and in the extent that they cover phenomena related to user-centred design. Our conclusion is that process assessment approach forms a good basis for a usability capability model. However, the existing models should be extended with new organisation and business related processes. In addition, also non-process perspectives as skills, resources, technology, and culture in user-centred design should be covered.