INTEGRATING OPTIMAL AROUSAL THEORY INTO USABILITY TESTING: A COMPREHENSIVE FRAMEWORK

Abstract

This industry project report explores the development of a usability framework based on the Optimal Arousal Theory, aimed at improving User Experience (UX) design. The framework integrates various established models, including the Stimulus Organism Response (SOR) model and Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), to provide a holistic approach to usability evaluation. The research focuses on the usability aspects of effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction, and their interdependencies, as applied to a virtual reality (VR) gaming use case. Usability testing was conducted on the Meta Quest Pro VR Headset using the game Beat Saber, with metrics gathered through physiological data electroencephalogram (EEG), emotional feedback gathered through post-game survey using Likert scale, and performance scores. The findings validate the proposed framework, showing a parabolic relationship between performance metrics and arousal levels, indicating optimal usability ranges. This framework offers UX designers a quantitative tool to prioritize design elements for enhanced usability.