Legacy Operating System Usability Test
Faculty Mentor Name
John Sevic
Format Preference
Poster
Abstract
This project examines how users interact with a legacy operating system compared to a modern operating system in a contemporary setting. Specifically, the study compares legacy Windows 3.X and 9X with Windows 11 during common office-related tasks in order to observe differences in user behavior, workflow, and perceived usability. Operating systems serve as the primary interface between users and computing tasks, and variations in interface design may influence how efficiently and confidently users complete daily tasks. While early graphical interface operating systems such as Windows 95 emphasized visual system state, consistent interaction patterns, and simplified navigation, modern operating systems prioritize multitasking, integration, and expanded functionality. Although these features increase capability, they may also introduce additional complexity and hidden system behavior. Despite ongoing usability research within modern platforms, limited work has directly compared legacy and modern operating system environments from the perspective of today’s users.
To address this issue, this project conducts a non-blinded observational usability study in which participants use both legacy Windows software and Windows 11 over the course of four weeks while performing routine productivity tasks such as document editing, file management, and spreadsheet usage. Data are collected through an initial baseline survey and weekly anonymous surveys measuring system usage, workflow clarity, user confidence, distraction, and overall satisfaction, including perceived system responsiveness and task processing delays such as WordBasic or VBA.
Evaluated tasks are limited to office software across both environments to reduce bias and allow comparison of user experience rather than technical performance. This study aims to identify patterns in usability and workflow across three distinct operating system design approaches. Findings from this project may contribute to discussions in human-computer interaction by highlighting interface characteristics that support clarity, focus, and user confidence, and by examining whether legacy design principles remain relevant for modern users.
Legacy Operating System Usability Test
This project examines how users interact with a legacy operating system compared to a modern operating system in a contemporary setting. Specifically, the study compares legacy Windows 3.X and 9X with Windows 11 during common office-related tasks in order to observe differences in user behavior, workflow, and perceived usability. Operating systems serve as the primary interface between users and computing tasks, and variations in interface design may influence how efficiently and confidently users complete daily tasks. While early graphical interface operating systems such as Windows 95 emphasized visual system state, consistent interaction patterns, and simplified navigation, modern operating systems prioritize multitasking, integration, and expanded functionality. Although these features increase capability, they may also introduce additional complexity and hidden system behavior. Despite ongoing usability research within modern platforms, limited work has directly compared legacy and modern operating system environments from the perspective of today’s users.
To address this issue, this project conducts a non-blinded observational usability study in which participants use both legacy Windows software and Windows 11 over the course of four weeks while performing routine productivity tasks such as document editing, file management, and spreadsheet usage. Data are collected through an initial baseline survey and weekly anonymous surveys measuring system usage, workflow clarity, user confidence, distraction, and overall satisfaction, including perceived system responsiveness and task processing delays such as WordBasic or VBA.
Evaluated tasks are limited to office software across both environments to reduce bias and allow comparison of user experience rather than technical performance. This study aims to identify patterns in usability and workflow across three distinct operating system design approaches. Findings from this project may contribute to discussions in human-computer interaction by highlighting interface characteristics that support clarity, focus, and user confidence, and by examining whether legacy design principles remain relevant for modern users.