Simulation Methods

Abstract

Simulation complements traditional assessment methods and inherently supports automated analysis. Using models of the user or the web site design, computer programs simulate the user interacting with the site and report the results of this interaction, in the form of performance measures and navigation operations, for instance. Ideally, simulators enable evaluators to input different parameters or designs so that they can study various tradeoffs and make more informed decisions about a site’s implementation. However, most simulators in the Web domain require an implemented site as input. Simulation is also used to automatically generate synthetic usage data for analysis with log file analysis techniques [Chi et al., 2000] or for event playback in an interface [Kasik and George, 1996]. Thus, simulation can be viewed as supporting automated capture to some degree.