Online user tracking and usability tools - a mapping study

Abstract: Tracking user activities online can be done in order to improve systems usability, understand user behaviour or to increase monetary prot, to mention a few things. The software tools for this purpose can vary, for example in terms of usability of the tool itself, features, security, price, accessibility and support options. In this study I have developed a methodology to evaluate a selection of modern tools and map them depending on various properties. I have also analysed learning theories to gain an understanding of how they impact on the educational challenges in how to use these tools. This is all done within the context of public procurement. I conclude that learning theories can be used to further understand the complexity of designing educational material for this type of tools. Findings also show that tools designed for usability studies do not all follow usability design guidelines, both in design of the tool itself and the design of educational material. This study shows an approach to how to map the selected tools based on their main area of use, and how to expand the mapping in the future.