document: When a better interface and easy navigation are n't enough : examining the information architecture in a law enforcement agency An information architecture that allows users to easily navigate through a system and quickly recover from mistakes is often defined as a highly usable system . But usability in systems design goes beyond a good interface and efficient navigation . In this article we describe two database systems in a law enforcement agency . One system is a legacy , text-based system with cumbersome navigation -LRB- RMS -RRB- ; the newer system is a graphical user interface with simplified navigation -LRB- CopNet -RRB- . It is hypothesized that law enforcement users will evaluate CopNet higher than RMS , but experts of the older system will evaluate it higher than others will . We conducted two user studies . One study examined what users thought of RMS and CopNet , and compared RMS experts ' evaluations with nonexperts . We found that all users evaluated CopNet as more effective , easier to use , and easier to navigate than RMS , and this was especially noticeable for users who were not experts with the older system . The second , follow-up study examined use behavior after CopNet was deployed some time later . The findings revealed that evaluations of CopNet were not associated with its use . If the newer system had a better interface and was easier to navigate than the older , legacy system , why were law enforcement personnel reluctant to switch ? We discuss reasons why switching to a new system is difficult , especially for those who are most adept at using the older system . Implications for system design and usability are also discussed
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