Usability Testing Using TaskOriented 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 n n Why usability testing? History / User Input Working Group Qualitative research methodology Phase I: focus groups and interviews

Phase I: Focus Group/ Interview Goals n n n 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 n n n 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 n n n 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 n n n 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 n n n For the users For the Web Design Team For the librarians

Questions?