HTTPS and TLS are the backbone of Internet security, however setting up web servers to run these protocols is a notoriously difficult process. In this paper, we perform two live subjects usability studies on the deployment of HTTPS in a real-world setting. Study 1 is a within subjects comparison between traditional HTTPS configuration (purchasing a certificate and installing it on a server) and Let's Encrypt, which automates much of the process. Study 2 is a between subjects study looking at the same two systems, examining why users encounter usability issues. Overall we confirm past results that HTTPS is difficult to deploy, and we find some evidence that suggests Let's Encrypt is an easier, more efficient method for deploying HTTPS.

Marketing researchers use geography to identify specific user groups for studies to more effectively describe their potential customer base. Since usability professionals often recruit users employing similar selection criteria as their marketing peers, the use of geographic information might also be relevant when selecting usability test participants. In total, 3,168 participants from across the United States rated the usability of different hardware, software, and web-based products using the System Usability Scale (SUS). SUS scores were compared across geographic divisions to determine if usability assessments differ by location. SUS scores were also compared across rural and urban areas to determine if usability assessment scores change with population density. There was a lack of evidence to support significant differences in usability scores across both US geographic areas and zones of population density. The findings suggest that people make similar system usability assessments regardless of the area of the United States in which they live.