What does usability measure

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What does usability measure?

• Ease of learning
• Error frequency and severity
• Subjective satisfaction
• Source (Usability.gov, 2006)

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Primary approaches to usability testing

• Expert analysis
• End-user testing

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Background Concept Testing

• Conducted 3 rounds of focus groups with target
  population (N52)
• Tested the appropriateness, appeal and usability
  of the website and its concepts
• Identified areas of priority and interest
• Obtained feedback on website name and theme,
  design, layout and content

Target population Adult females (aged 18 or
greater) Income lt185 of the federal poverty
level Child enrolled in school (Nursery-8th
grade)
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Concept Testing Findings

• Participants expressed a desire for
• Photos that represented the mission of the
  website
• Variation in graphics in terms of ethnicity,
  body size, etc.
• An interactive site that 1) was bright and
  colorful 2) had white space 3) used drop-down
  menus

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User-defined content priorities

• Nutrition information
• Exercise information
• Recipe ideas
• Message boards
• Tailored material for kids
• Local resources

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http//www.eatsmart.umd.eduLaunched Dec. 2004
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Why test again?

• Time
• New material
• Ensure effectiveness
• Wanted opinions

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Usability Testing

• Conducted individual interviews (N8) to
• Evaluate the appropriateness and relevance of the
  project website
• Assess the effectiveness of the project website
• Identify new content to meet the needs of the
  target population
• Improve the websites functionality and
  navigability

Target population Adult females (aged 18 or
greater) Income lt185 of the federal poverty
level Child enrolled in school (Nursery-8th
grade)
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Method

• Advertising (fliers, staff members)
• Intercept interviews
• Screening conducted and informed consent obtained
  
• Interview guide recording instrument
• Observation by second staff member (when
  possible)
• Incentives

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Interview guide topics

• Homepage
• Registration
• Website tour
• Card sort
• Review of interactive features
• Overall website feedback

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Home page Before
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After
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Overall findings

• Easy to read, use and understand
• Met their content and literacy needs
• Topics were appealing
• --------------------------------------------------
  --------------
• Revise the registration area
• Improve the entertainment quality of the
  website
• Modify interactive features for user friendliness

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Strengths
Limitations

• Setting
• Willingness
• Site staff
• Incentives
• Personal interest

• Sample size
• Poor weather conditions
• Equipment
• Time for testing
• Environment

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Lessons Learned

• Valuable feedback
• Building and fostering relationships
• More visible in the community
• Insight on desired features to enhance
  programming
• Improved quality and effectiveness of site

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To Learn More

• http//www.eatsmart.umd.edu

Contact Amy Billing Project Coordinator Email
eatsmartmd_at_umd.edu Phone [phone]
Contact Sylvette A. La Touche Graduate
Assistant Email latouche_at_umd.edu Phone
301-405-3427