Transcript Redesigning the Graphical Interface of the CreativeEDU Web

INLS 180 - Summer 2006
Redesigning the
Graphical Interface of the
CreativeEDU Web
Application
By Ulysses Lamont Cannon
& Hínár György Polczer
Outline
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About CreativeEDU in General
The Problems
A Possible Solution
Why the GUI?
Research Approach
Design Decisions
Expected Results
About CreativeEDU in General
• Web Application
• Portable Favorites/Bookmarks
• Educational web site links for elementary
educators, students and parents
• Bookmark Groups to cluster resources (web links)
together
• Sharable and expendable resources
• Education-specific resources (rather than Google)
The Problem
• Teachers’ resistance to
technology
• Computer anxiety
• Educational software lack
user-centered design
• Internet is not utilized in
classrooms frequently
A Possible Solution
• We cannot address all the factors
affecting technology use in
elementary education
• Creating a new, more graphical
user interface
• Designing the UI with teachers in
mind
Why the GUI?
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This is the factor of technology resistance that is the
easiest for us to access
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Helping teachers to get comfortable with this system
will most likely affect how much they use other
technology resources

The present system seems confusing and scary for
users not comfortable with text-based interfaces
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An inviting and pretty interface might ease users’
anxieties
Research Approach
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Analysis of present system
Testing by various users
Feedback from educators
Exploring functional and interaction
needs by interviewing teachers
• Matching up suggestions with
system goals
Design Decisions
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Based on web usability
standards
Applying models and theories
discussed in class
Communication
 User Interaction
 Browsing
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Design Decisions
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Improve aesthetics to be more
welcoming
Use of graphical tools like icons and
pictures along with text
Use of more relevant terminology
Use concepts that teachers and
average users are more familiar with
i.e. Bookmark Collection in lieu of
Lesson, Bookmark in lieu of
Resource
Design Decisions
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Navigation that is easy to follow
even for novice users (with very
basic computer knowledge)
Use of navigation elements
consistently
Incorporate icons and non-verbal
queues in navigation tools
Clear and simple navigation
Design Decisions
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Wizards to guide users through
features and procedures
Inform users of their interactions
with the system
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i.e. display “your bookmark has
been added”, “you have
successfully registered” and solicit
confirmation when deleting
Expected Results
• Direct:
 A more user-friendly interface
 More efficient system functionality
 A more comprehensive and conceptually sound
system design
• Indirect:
 Teachers will start using the system
 They can use it easier and more efficiently
 Teachers will share this resource (and the
resources it offers) with others
 Teachers become more comfortable using more
and newer technology resources
We are done! 
Thank you for your
attention!
Your presenters:
Lamont & Hinár