Ann Blandford

University College London, UCL Australia

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Ann Blandford is a leading figure in Human-Computer Interaction, whose work has fundamentally shaped how we evaluate and design for usability. Her research centers on analytical usability evaluation methods (UEMs), which allow designers to predict user difficulties without extensive user testing. Blandford’s major contribution is the development of CASSM (Concept-based Analysis of Surface and Structural Misfits), a method for evaluating how well a system's conceptual model aligns with users' expectations. Her seminal 2007 paper on CASSM, with 43 citations, and her 2008 case study scoping analytical UEMs, with 41 citations, are foundational texts in the field. These works demonstrate how analytical methods can complement empirical testing by identifying *why* users struggle, not just *what* they struggle with. Blandford’s impact is seen in her ability to bridge theory and practice, providing practitioners with rigorous yet practical tools. Her achievements include advancing the theoretical underpinnings of usability evaluation and influencing the design of safer, more intuitive systems, particularly in healthcare and safety-critical domains.