Transcript Usability Testing: Using Task-Oriented Testing to Improve the

Usability Testing
Using Task-Oriented Testing to
Improve the Redesign of a
Library Web Site
Daisy Benson, Laurie Kutner, Trina Magi, & Peter Spitzform
The University of Vermont Libraries
Background
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Why usability testing?
History / User Input Working Group
Qualitative research methodology
Phase I: focus groups and
interviews
Phase I: Focus Group/
Interview Goals
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What do users want to
accomplish?
What tasks are important?
What’s working and what’s not?
How do users approach research?
What vocabulary do users employ?
How do users view relationships
among resources and services?
Users’ Most
Important Tasks
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Locating journal articles
Locating books in our library
Accessing course reserves
Using inter-library loan service
Getting research assistance
Recommendations to
the Web Design Team
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Collapse the site
Restructure to match users’
approach and language
Indicate relative importance
Bring buried information to front
Don’t use “brand” names
Phase II: Usability Test
Methodology
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4 library staff in round 1
8 students and faculty from across
campus in round 2
Tests conducted in participants’ offices or
other location of their choice
One person tested at a time; two
observers
Questions based on focus
group / interview results
Diagram
Benefits of the
User-Centered Process
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For the users
For the Web Design Team
For the librarians
Questions?