PUBLISHED PAPERS #08.04
| Shamil Humbatov, Teymur Mammadov, Jeyhun Isazada, Tural Aliyev. Usability Evaluation of LinkedIn: A Heuristic and Empirical Analysis of UX/UI Challenges in Professional Networking |
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| Abstract. LinkedIn, a globally dominant professional networking platform, has become an indispensable tool for career advancement, professional development, and industry connection. This research delves into a comprehensive evaluation of LinkedIn's usability, focusing on its user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design through the lens of established Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles. The study aims to uncover usability challenges and propose actionable recommendations to enhance the platform's effectiveness. Employing a multifaceted approach, the research combines the cognitive walkthrough method and empirical usability testing involving a sample of LinkedIn users with the SUS scale method. The analysis covers core platform functionalities such as profile creation, networking, job searching, and professional branding. Key findings from the cognitive walkthrough revealed critical usability issues, including overly restrictive mandatory fields during registration, inefficient skill addition processes, a lack of profile templates, and inconsistent search functionalities. Empirical testing corroborated these findings, with participants experiencing difficulties in registration, skill and language input, search accuracy, connection recommendations, and job posting. |
| Keywords: LinkedIn, usability, cognitive walkthrough, empirical testing, user experience, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) |
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| DOI: https://doi.org/10.30546/MaCoSEP2025.1134 |