User-Centered Design for Designing and Evaluating a Prototype of a Data Collection Tool to Submit Information About Incidents of Violence Against Sex Workers: Multiple Methods Approach.

Overview

BACKGROUND: Sex workers face an epidemic of violence in the United States. However, violence against sex workers in the United States is underreported. Sex workers hesitate to report it to the police because they are frequently punished themselves; therefore, an alternative for reporting is needed. OBJECTIVE: We aim to apply human-centered design methods to create and evaluate the usability of the prototype interface for ReportVASW (violence against sex worker, VASW) and identify opportunities for improvement. METHODS: This study explores ways to improve the prototype of ReportVASW, with particular attention to ways to improve the data collection tool. Evaluation methods included cognitive walkthrough, system usability scale, and heuristic evaluation. RESULTS: End users were enthusiastic about the idea of a website to document violence against sex workers. ReportVASW scored 90 on the system usability scale. The tool scored neutral on consistency, and all other responses were positive toward the app, with most being strong. CONCLUSIONS: Many opportunities to improve the interface were identified. Multiple methods identified multiple issues to address. Most changes are not overly complex, and the majority were aesthetic or minor. Further development of the ReportVASW data collection tool is worth pursuing.