Usability evaluation is a well-known practice for UI/UX practitioners. The guidelines and techniques for usability evaluation have evolved through the years and the relevant body of knowledge has greatly increased. However, these techniques have not spread to the study and evaluation of the usability of non-software systems. For example, we have never seen these techniques applied to the usability evaluation of a transport system, like the Athens transport system or the “wayfinding signage” system in cities or buildings.

This paper argues that it is possible to use well-known usability evaluation techniques in the study of non-software systems. It explores the benefits and difficulties of applying usability evaluation techniques to the study of various aspects of the Athens transport system and examines the effects some findings have on the users, the environment, the economy etc. In parallel, this study also attempts to bridge the gap between UI/UX practices and traditional engineering practices, which are separated by a “culture gap” and tries to bring these two worlds together.