Keystroke Level Modelling (KLM)

1. Research Keystroke Level Modelling (KLM). Find an explanation, paste into this document. Add the URL and [date accessed]. Save THIS DOCUMENT in U23, Assignment 2.

2. KLM - Task

Consider the text editing Task of searching a Microsoft Word document for all occurrences of a four-letter word, and replacing it with another four-letter word. How long will it take an experienced Word user to complete this?

a) Complete the Operation & Time columns by adding the appropriate letter & times:

K (0.2 s) press akey or mouse button

P (1.1 s) point with mouse

H (0.4 s) home on keyboard, mouse or other device

M (1.35 s) mentally prepare

There are some rules for how these times are applied (simplified): M should go in front (or between) all operations unless they are fully anticipated. H is inserted each time a user moves between devices (from keyboard to mouse, for example).

b) Calculate the total time

Description

Operation

Time (sec)

Reach for mouse

H

0.4

Move pointer to "HOME" tab

P

1.1

Click on "HOME" tab

K

0.2

Move pointer to "Replace" button

P

1.1

Click on "Replace" command

K

0.2

Home on keyboard (move hands to keyboard)

H

0.4

Type word to be replaced

MKKKK

2.15

Reach for mouse

H

0.4

Point to REPLACE field

P

1.1

Click on field

K

0.2

Home on keyboard

H

0.4

Type new word

MKKKK

2.15

Reach for mouse

H

0.4

Move pointer on Replace-All

P

1.1

Click on field

K

0.2

Click OK

K

0.2

Click Close

K

0.2

Total

11.9

c) Complete the task under experimental conditions & enter your time

Time taken by me:

d)

Use KlmCalc to calculate the time of the task. Replace this screenshot with your own.

Free KlmCalc Download (Right-click to download KlmCalc V1.0 for Windows(klmcalcv1.zip, last modified 17-Nov-2012, size 820K). Just unzip the file and put the .exe file somewhere convenient (it does not take up a lot of space, so fits nicely on your desktop). And, just to be clear, the program is completely free.

e) In your own words, write a brief explanation of Keystroke Level Modelling:

What is it used for? What does it measure? Is it a descriptive or predictive model?

How does your result (and those of your peers) compare with the total calculated before the experiment?

Developed in 1983, KLM is a tool that provides an estimation of keystrokes associated to data input tasks

The model is used by individuals or companies seeking ways to estimate the time it takes to complete simple data input tasks using a computer and mouse.

By using KLM-GOMS, individuals often find more efficient or better ways to complete a task simply by analyzing the steps required in the process and rearranging or eliminating unneeded steps.

best suited for modeling tasks less than five minutes to complete

Based primarily on modeling a sequence of operations (K, P, B, H, M, T, W)

Analytic technique allows you to predict how long it will take experienced users to complete a task. The method uses predictive modelling on how long it takes humans to interact with software.This approach provides estimates of task times to within an accuracy of 10%. It is best used for getting measures of efficiency when comparing designs or competing products. Live code isnt needed, only sketches or screen shots can generate estimated times.Designers of software can use this to generating accurate estimates of times taken.

f) Save your work.

KlmCalc.exe

klmcalcv1.zip

KlmCalc.exe