Aplicação de métodos de inspeção de usabilidade para avaliação da plataforma AgDataBox-Map

Abstract

Technological advancements in agriculture have driven the use of computational tools that optimize agricultural monitoring and management. Precision agriculture, for example, uses sensors and specialized software to improve productivity and decision-making in the field. In this context, the usability of digital platforms becomes essential to ensure that farmers and specialists can efficiently interpret and utilize information and functionalities. This work presents the application of usability inspection methods to evaluate and improve the AgDataBox-Map platform, a web tool aimed at precision agriculture, which creates thematic maps, delineates management zones, and provides fertilizer recommendations. Two specific methods were used: Heuristic Evaluation, which identifies usability problems based on guidelines established by Nielsen, and Cognitive Walkthrough, which analyzes the ease of learning and task execution from the perspective of different user profiles.The Heuristic Evaluation was conducted by three evaluators following a structured inspection, where each heuristic was analyzed through questions that verified whether the interface elements complied. The Cognitive Walkthrough involved two evaluators, one representing the profile of an agricultural expert and the other of a farmer with little technological experience, who evaluated tasks such as registration, project creation, and map generation. The combination of these methodologies allowed the identification of a greater number of violations, ranging from issues related to the visibility of system status to difficulties in error prevention and the correspondence between the system and the real world. Based on the analyses, improvements were proposed, including both high-fidelity prototypes and general suggestions for system enhancement.