By Anders Tvedt

WHITE PAPER

Tvedt 1

Table of Contents
Introduction. [2]
Methodology.. ..[2]
Tasks.[2]
Environment/Equipment...[2]
Method..[2]
Results...[3]
Task1: Make the sheet look in order.[3]
Task2: Compute a simple function ..[5]
Task3: Create a basic plot.[5]
Task4: Create an equation and find points ...[6]
Task5: Create a table then make a plot.....[8]
Task6: Create a plot from an equation..[9]
Task7: Create a basic script ....[11]
Task8: Create a loop program ........[12]
Task9: Create a Function script.......[13]
Task10: Create a Matrix..[15]

Recommendations/Conclusions..[16]
Bibliography[17]
Appendix

Tvedt 2

Introduction
Mathcad 15 and MatLab 15a are two popular computation programs to help
engineers do some large computations with ease. Each of the programs use
different approaches and different layouts of their programs. This white
paper presents the results of a usability test that compared how well the
programs performed in the component standards which define usability.

Methodology
Equipment and Environment
The test of the usability of Mathcad and Matlab for engineering students was
conducted using the Vlab from the University of Idahos server on a Custom
made Personal Computer with Windows 10 64xbit.
The environment that the users of Mathcad 15 and Matlab 15a are going to
be either in a fully loaded with homework or work on their minds of finding
an easy way to compute their problems. They also will be in a semi-quiet
room to focus on their work in front of them. They also will be working with
others around them or with just listening to music and not quite at all. But in
this scenario I am the student that wants to know how to do everything to
make their lives easier.
I proceeded to follow the environment with making as little distraction
around me as possible to be the student that wants to know the in-and-outs
of the programs. I followed the test task after task and made sure after
conducting the test to right down my findings to make sure I get as much
information down before I go on to the task.

Tasks
1. Organize the sheet for the desired tasks ahead
2. Compute a simple Function
3. Create a basic plot
4. Create an equation and find points
5. Create a table then plot it on a plot(graph)
6. Create a plot(graph) from an equation
7. Create a basic program(script)
8. Create a loop program(script)
9. Create a function program(script)
10.
Create a matrix

Metrics
Effective: Did the task I did work the way I wanted it to
Efficient: Did I complete the task in a timely manner
Engaging: Did the program help with the process

Tvedt 3

Error Tolerant: Did the program have any way at seeing errors I might
have made
Easy to learn: Did I learn how to do the task correctly

Likert Scale
Strongly
Agree
1

Strongly
disagree
5

Results
Task 1
Organize the sheet for the desired task
Each program has a base tool bar and sheet layout just for basic use of their program. But the
programs can both be customized to the users desired work place for the task at hand. This is a
minor thing that the program does but if you dont customize the sheet then it will take you
longer to complete tasks. I used this to make sure that the tool was usable for all scenarios that

would be presented to the tool. Matlab has different screens you can place in the workspace to
create your perfect set-up.

Mathcad has different toolbars you can place in the sheet and different windows with various
tools in them. Both of these tools I used both have a good amount of tools in them to help which
makes their usability rating on the higher end of the scale.

Task 2
Compute a simple function

Tvedt 4

This is a very simple task but each of the tools used they both have a different way of getting the
answer and how to set up the function. In Mathcad you state the equation, then you state the
unknown to then solve the problem.

And in Matlab you need to treat the function as a script and state what you need to do to get the
same results.

Tvedt 5

Both of these tools do the task correctly but for usability I looked for to if you can easily solve
the function and if you can do it over and over again. Mathcad is the easiest if you have different
numbers to finding in a function where mat lab is easier for finding multiple in a row using a
script of the function.

Task 3
Create a basic plot
This task is simple in concept but finding the proper way in each of the tools I
used made it a little difficult. Each program has a different way of creating a
plot. In Mathcad it has a tool bar just for plotting graphs from any means.

Now Matlab is more in depth on how it will plot a graph. You need to state a bunch
of different parameters like the function and limits. Then you tell the program to

Tvedt 6
plot which a basic statement which is plot(x,y).

Both of the programs was able to complete the task with ease. But usability wise
Mathcad was able to use with simplicity on the mind.

Task 4
Create an equation and find points
This task furthers the make a simple equation task that I performed earlier.
What I had Mathcad and Matlab do is create a function and then grab point
that I want to find and state what are their values are. In Mathcad you grab
the equation then make the points from dedicated values. Now in Matlab you
need to create multiple variables in the script to find the points from the given
information.

Tvedt 7

From looking at both of these results I think that Matlab is good for looking at
points entirely on the given graph and Mathcad is good at looking at user
defined points. On the usability test I wanted to make sure that each of the
programs can get me certain points that I defined and both excelled in that.
But the quickest of the two has to be Mathcad but Matlab still gets results.

Tvedt 8

Task 5
Create a table then generate it on a plot(graph)
In this task is simple I made two 1x5 tables on mathcad and three 1x5 tables on
matlab because that what made each of the programs work properly. This proved to
be a harder task because mathcads table system doesnt like graphing a 2x5 or
higher table and matlabs parameters system likes the number three in my findings.
In Mathcad I had two tables made with a progressive numbering to create a nice
plot to show that I can accomplish the task.

Tvedt 9
Now with matlab I had to create a whole sinario where I can create plots with all of
the tables but that wasnt working even though I was using the right functions.

Now both of these programs had their flaws but both of them got the job done so
they completed the task. But based off of usability Mathcad works better because
you can constantly change it without ruining code. Over all Mathcad scored higher
than matlab but not by much

Tvedt 10

Task 6
Create a plot from an equation
This task in just evolving the second task to test the ability of the program with
multiple processes. When performing this on both of the programs the results where
easy to spot and quicker to do. Mathcad uses the plot command and then you set
the parameters to the equation.

Tvedt 11
With matlab I had to look-up a guide on how to plot multiple function on a graph.
Matlab is more of a script computing software so its nice to change things up.

Both of the programs performed well but as for making the task easy for the user
Mathcad takes the win on that part of the usability test. Other than that matlab
really helped me create the function and the graph while Mathcad didnt.

Task 7
Create a basic program(script)
Each one of the tools I have been using has the capabilities of creating scripts to
make computing with parameters easier to do from computing a long function to
solving with set parameters to meet each one can do this task. With Mathcad you

Tvedt 12
need to make it a function in order to have the script wok.

Now with matlab the whole thing is technically one big script program where you
can make a script.

Tvedt 13
As usability goes matlab makes itself easy to use and is helpful when trying to learn
how to use the script. Mathcad is more one lines of you need to figure it out on your
own.

Task 8
Create a loop program(script)
This task is going into basic programing and seeing how both of the programs help
make a program(script). I am not a programmer so I relied on guides to help me to
learn how to create loop program. As I stated on a basic program in Mathcad you
need to make it a function then you create the lines to create the program.

This isnt the case using Matlab, in Matlab you create a dedicated window for
scripting. After creating the script you then make it a program you can use in

Tvedt 14
Matlab.

In the usablity of both of these programs I personaly used mathcad but after testing
both programs I would perfer using matlab for all progaming related problems.
Matlab did the best in the usablity test but for time sake Mathcad wins in that.

Task 9
Create a function program(script)
Function programs means that it is a program that computes functions with
ease. These are easier to compute function with dedicated parameters. This

Tvedt 15

process is easy to do in Mathcad due to the sheet system Mathcad uses.

Tvedt 16

Since Matlab is just a programming(scripting) program and it does the task

extremely well.

Usability was very important decider on which one was more user friendly.
Mathcad was the superior in user oriented in this task. Matlab was good but
it didnt really help when you did something wrong.

Task 10
Create a Matrix

Conclusion/recommendation
Conclusion
Both of the programs are computing programs and both do a great job at
doing so. Looking at all of the tasks the two programs have gone through
they both have their strengths and weaknesses. Mathcad does a great job
with user help and easy to use computation methods. In Matlab is good at
keeping you getting use to the program and how to make scripts with ease.
Both have good instructions on how to the things you want to do.

Tvedt 17

Bibliography
Vlab-https://vlab.uidaho.edu/Citrix/VLabWeb/
Mathcad 15
MATLAB

Appendix
Produc
t

Math CAD 15

Task 1
Effictiv
e

Compute a simple function

Can I create the simple function
Strongly Agree
1

Efficie
nt

Does it claculate corectly

Strongly Agree
1

Engagi
ng

2
Did the program make it simple

Strongly Agree
1
Error
Toleran
t

Did the program state if something was wrong

Strongly Agree
1

Easy
to
learn

Did I understand how it worked

Strongly Agree
1

My
notes
Produc
t

Math CAD 15

Task 3

creat a equation and find points

Tvedt 18
Effictiv
e

Was I able to find points from an equation

Strongly Agree
1

Efficie
nt

Did I do it in a timly maner

Strongly Agree
1

Engagi
ng

2
Did I feel like I was learning as is did it

Strongly Agree
1
Error
Toleran
t

2
Did the program try to fix my mistakes

Strongly Agree
1
Easy
to
learn

Did I feel comfortable with the program

Strongly Agree
1

My
notes
Produc
t

Math CAD 15

Task 4
Effictiv
e

Create a table then plot it on a graph

Did I Create a graph with a table effictivly
Strongly Agree
1

Efficie
nt

did I do the task as quick and effiecient as I can

Strongly Agree
1

Engagi
ng

did the I feel like I was involved in the process

Strongly Agree

Tvedt 19
1
Error
Toleran
t

did I feel like the program help with the data collection
Strongly Agree
1

Easy
to
learn

Did I feel the process was quick and simple

Strongly Agree
1

My
notes
Produc
t

Math CAD 15

Task 5
Effictiv
e

create a plot from a equation

did I create a equation that can be plotted
Strongly Agree
1

Efficie
nt

did the I do it in a timly fashion

Strongly Agree
1

Engagi
ng

did the program help with the process

Strongly Agree
1

Error
Toleran
t

did the program state the errors in the process

Strongly Agree
1

Easy
to
learn

did I feel that the process was easy

Strongly Agree
1

My
notes
Produc
t

Math CAD 15

Tvedt 20
Task 6
Effictiv
e

create a basic program

did I create a program
Strongly Agree

S
1

Efficie
nt

did I do it in a timely fashion

Strongly Agree

S
1

Engagi
ng

did the program help me

Strongly Agree

S
1

Error
Toleran
t

did the program say when there was an error

Strongly Agree

S
1

Easy
to
learn

did I learn how to make the basic program

Strongly Agree

S
1

My
notes
Produc
t

Math CAD 15

Task 7
Effictiv
e

Create a loop program

did the loop work
Strongly Agree

Stron
1

Efficie
nt

did the I do it in a timely maner

Strongly Agree

Stron
1

Engagi
ng

did the program have the tools

Strongly Agree

Stron
1

Error
Toleran
t

did the program help with mistakes in the process

Strongly Agree

Stron
1

Tvedt 21
Easy
to
learn

did I feel like I have a hang of loops

Strongly Agree

Stron
1

My
notes
Produc
t

Math CAD 15

Task 8
Effictiv
e

create a function program

did I create the function program
Strongly Agree

Stron
1

Efficie
nt

did the function program work

Strongly Agree

Stron
1

Engagi
ng

did the program help me

Strongly Agree

Stron
1

Error
Toleran
t
Strongly Agree

did the program state any errors while marking the function
Stron
1
2
3
4

Easy
to
learn

did I learn how to make a function program

Strongly Agree

Stron
1

My
notes
Produc
t

Math CAD 15

Task 9
Effictiv
e

make the sheet look like in order

did the placement of all the progames look nice
Strongly Agree

Strongl
1

Efficie
nt

does the program make sure to make this nice

Strongly Agree

Strongl

Tvedt 22
1
Engagi
ng

did the placement make it hard to find things

Strongly Agree

Strongl
1

Error
Toleran
t
Strongly Agree

does the program make sure to make sure you can find it
Strongl
1
2
3
4

Easy
to
learn

did I learn the layout

Strongly Agree

Strongl
1

My
notes
Produc
t

Math CAD 15

Task
10
Effictiv
e

make a matrix

Strongly Agree

Strongly
1

Efficie
nt
Strongly Agree

Strongly

Engagi
ng
Strongly Agree

Strongly

Error
Toleran
t
Strongly Agree

Strongly
1

Easy
to
learn
Strongly Agree

Strongly
1

My
notes

Tvedt 23

Mat lab
Compute a simple function
Can I create the simple function
Strongly
Agree
1
Strongly
Agree
1
Strongly
Agree
1
Strongly
Agree
1
Strongly
Agree
1

Strongly disagree
2

4
Does it claculate corectly

Strongly disagree
2

4
Did the program make it simple

Strongly disagree
2

4
Did the program state if something was wrong

Strongly disagree
2

4
Did I understand how it worked

Strongly disagree
2

Mat lab
Create a basic plot
Did I create the basic plot
Strongly
Agree
1
Strongly
Agree
1
Strongly
Agree
1
Strongly
Agree
1

Strongly disagree
2

4
did I create the plot quickly

Strongly disagree
2

4
did I get help from the program

Strongly disagree
2

4
5
Did I see the program try to make the plot with wrong intent
Strongly disagree

4
5
Did I get a feel of the ploting portion of the program

Tvedt 24
Strongly
Agree
1

Strongly disagree
2

Mat lab
create an equation and find points
Was I able to find points from an equation
Strongly
Agree
1
Strongly
Agree
1
Strongly
Agree
1
Strongly
Agree
1
Strongly
Agree
1

Strongly disagree
2

4
Did I do it in a timly maner

Strongly disagree
2

4
Did I feel like I was learning as is did it

Strongly disagree
2

4
Did the program try to fix my mistakes

Strongly disagree
2

4
Did I feel comfortable with the program

Strongly disagree
2

Mat lab

Strongly Agree
1

Strongly Agree
1

Strongly Agree
1

Strongly Agree

Create a table then plot it on a graph

Did I Create a graph with a table effictivly
Strongly disagree
3
4
5
did I do the task as quick and effiecient as I can
Strongly disagree
3
4
5
did the I feel like I was involved in the process
Strongly disagree
3
4
5
did I feel like the program help with the data collection
Strongly disagree

Tvedt 25
1

Strongly Agree
1

3
4
Did I feel the process was quick and simple
Strongly disagree
3
4

Mat lab
create a plot from a equation
did I create a equation that can be plotted
Strongly disagree
2
3 4
did the I do it in a timly fashion
Strongly disagree
2
3 4
did the program help with the process
Strongly disagree
2
3 4
did the program state the errors in the process
Strongly disagree
2
3 4
did I feel that the process was easy
Strongly disagree
2
3 4

Strongly Agree
1
Strongly Agree
1
Strongly Agree
1
Strongly Agree
1
Strongly Agree
1

Mat lab

Strongly Agree
1
Strongly Agree
1

create a basic program

did I create a program
Strongly disagree
2

5
did I do it in a timely fashion
Strongly disagree

5
did the program help me
Strongly disagree

Strongly Agree
1

Strongly Agree
1

Strongly Agree

4
5
did the program say when there was an error
Strongly disagree
4
5
did I learn how to make the basic program
Strongly disagree

Tvedt 26
1

Mat lab

Strongly Agree
1
Strongly Agree
1

Create a loop program

did the loop work
Strongly disagree
2

5
did the I do it in a timely maner
Strongly disagree

5
did the program have the tools
Strongly disagree

Strongly Agree
1

Strongly Agree
1

Strongly Agree
1

4
5
did the program help with mistakes in the process
Strongly disagree
4
5
did I feel like I have a hang of loops
Strongly disagree
4
5

Mat lab

Strongly Agree
1
Strongly Agree
1

create a function program

did I create the function program
Strongly disagree
2

5
did the function program work
Strongly disagree

5
did the program help me
Strongly disagree

Strongly Agree
1

Strongly Agree
1

Strongly Agree
1

3 4
5
did the program state any errors while marking the function
Strongly disagree
3 4
5
did I learn how to make a function program
Strongly disagree
3 4
5

Tvedt 27

Mat lab

Strongly Agree
1

Strongly Agree
1

Strongly Agree
1

Strongly Agree
1

Strongly Agree
1

make the sheet look like in order

did the placement of all the programs look nice
Strongly disagree
4
5
does the program make sure to make this nice
Strongly disagree
4
5
did the placement make it hard to find things
Strongly disagree
4
5
does the program make sure to make sure you can find it
Strongly disagree
4
5
did I learn the layout
Strongly disagree
4
5

Mat lab
make a matrix
Strongly Agree
1
Strongly Agree
1
Strongly Agree
1

Strongly disagree
2 3 4

5
Strongly disagree

2 3 4

5
Strongly disagree

2 3 4

Strongly Agree
1

2 3 4

Strongly Agree
1

2 3 4

5
Strongly disagree
5
Strongly disagree
5