Guiseppe Getto, Ph.D.€¦ · Web viewGroup 2 Usability Report and Persona This document is a usability report on the NC Coastal Atlas site created by the members of Group Two: Nathaniel

Group 2 Usability Report and Persona

This document is a usability report on the NC Coastal Atlas site created by the members of Group Two: Nathaniel Mansfield (research/content specialist), Kelly Gray (research/content specialist), and Janine Butler (editor/reviewer). Executive Summary:In Group Two’s User Experience Project Plan, we identified four features in the NC Coastal Atlas site (https://www.nccoastalatlas.org) that needed improvement and that we would focus on in our user experience design plan. The features are as following:

1. Information and Priority of Content2. Visual Design and Proportional Size3. Create-a-Map4. Map Toolbars

We identified these four features as the ones that should be redesigned in order to improve the accessibility of the site and ensure that users can interact with the site more successfully. We thus developed a user experience test that focused on how users experience the four features, more specifically the first two features. Our tasks asked the users to navigate through the site and provide their feedback to the information and priority of content as well as the visual design and proportional size. We developed a test for our users on TryMyUI (http://trymyui.com). We tested three users with interests in science but minimal experience with using geographic data: a middle-aged businessperson, a middle-aged college professor, and a young engineer. We found that our users’ experiences of the site were more positive than our own, so the site may not have to be redesigned as much as we initially thought. Yet, these three users still had suggestions for improvement. Our three users gave us insight on how to redesign the site to meet the needs of users of NC Coastal Atlas. Our users all found the visual design and layout to be simple and clear. However, they pointed to several areas that could be improved to improve users’ experiences with the visual design. The margins need to be redesigned to prevent content, including the North Carolina Coastal Atlas logo on the top of the page, from being cut off the page.

The social media icons seem too large. One suggested filling up the blank space on the right side of the page to make it more visually pleasing. They also gave us insight into how to improve the informational content. They all asked for more content about the atlas on the home page and the “About Us” page. One noted that the “About Us” tab should be next to the “Home” tab to give priority to informing users about the site. They all noted a need for sections on how to use the features of the site and maps, and explicit instructions on how to use the maps. The experiences of our three users are important to note as we redesign the website to best serve the needs of a range of users. The North Carolina Coastal Atlas site should ensure that it is informative and that users can interact with the information within. Our analysis will help us redesign the site’s visual design and informational structure so that users can more quickly find information. Analysis of User Experience Data:Home pageOur users found the home page to be informative, readable, and not overwhelming. The home page gave them a good first impression. One noted the simple layout but also asked why the NC Coastal Atlas logo was nearly cut off on the end of the screen. Another noted that the social media icons were perhaps too large and suggested more content under “About the Atlas.” In terms of content, two immediately pointed to the slideshow of the map as the content given priority on the page. Those two would click on the maps first. In general, our users found the home page visual design to be well done.

Finding InformationOur users were able to find information about the goals of the website by going to the “About Us” page (two users) and the home page (one user). They said their experience of navigating through the site was “good” and “positive.” They would not add content or functions and noted that the layout was easy to navigate. About Us PageOne user suggested filling up some of the blank space on the right side of the page to make it more pleasing. Another suggested adding a section on how to use the site and maps. Navigation TabsOne user noted that the “About Us” tab should be moved in the navigation bar. The “About Us” tab should come after the Home tab.

Maps TabOur users were comfortable using and interacting with the maps. One found the “Create-a-Map” feature interesting with information that he was interested in. He would not change anything on the maps page, calling it a strong page. One user noted that the maps page did not give explicit instructions or information on how to use the maps exactly. He was able to figure it out comfortably, but noted the lack of instructions. Informational Content and Visual DesignOur users found the visual design to be clean and simple. One user suggested a different typeface (serif) for larger blocks of copy. Another suggested making use of the wasted space on the right side of the page by adding more information. Instead of using large social media icons, he would use the space to elaborate on “About Us.”

Our users especially noted the large slide show as prominent and one noted it as a strange use of space.

One user would add more explanation in general on how to use the features of the site. Another user would add more information to the “Data Catalogue” page.

Ease of UseOur users did not find the site too difficult to use, yet had suggestions. One user pointed to the “Data Catalogue” as the most difficult to navigate or understand and asked for more explanation on the page. Design Recommendations:As we discussed in our project plan, we believe that the site and maps should be designed in a way that makes them accessible and functional for a range of users with a variety of goals. Based on the experiences of our users, we recommend that the site

should be redesigned in the following ways to make navigation and information more efficient for users. The About Us tab should be moved to the second position on the toolbar for the site (right after Home). This minor change will help to make sure that new visitors to the site will be more likely to see that page second after the homepage. This is an ideal progression for a new visitor to the site as it gives them information about what the site is for before giving them tons of content to sort through. The About Us page will also be tweaked to use a serif font for better visibility and make better use of the empty space to the right (which was mentioned by the users) by adding relevant content.

Since two of the users found it to be distracting, the map slideshow on the homepage should be moved to the top of the Maps page. While it does a good job at showcasing different types of maps, users found it to be a strange use of space on the homepage given how much of the screen it takes up. By getting rid of the slideshow, information about the site and events becomes the most prominent thing on the page. This will be more helpful to first time visitors of the site as this information will likely be of use to them. The Data Catalogue page was one of the most confusing among our users due to its apparent lack of instructions. Users found that the page was hard to navigate and wanted more explanation on how to use it. This could perhaps be mitigated if the slideshow was swapped out for instructions with the data catalogue search feature being presented below. The slideshow could then be moved to the top of the View All Data page accessible from the Data Catalogue page.

Users were more split on the intuitiveness of the Maps page. While one found it to be perfect, another would have liked for there have to have been better instructions for using the maps and map creation features. To meet both of these needs, we suggest the addition of a link to an instructions page from the map page. This could be featured near the top of the page with the slideshow that was originally featured on the homepage. Having these two things at the top is ideal since they are likely things users would like to see first. The instructions page would just be a simple text page, with screenshots if necessary, to explain the basics of using the maps. Group Two’s redesign of the NC Coastal Atlas site will be based on the preceding analysis of our users’ experiences.

Persona:Based on our analysis of our users’ experiences with the NC Coastal Atlas site and maps, we have developed a persona, or what Buley in The User Experience Team of

One describes as a composite picture of our users distilled into one relatable human profile. Our first-hand user research assessment has allowed us to develop a composite image of what a user of the NC Coastal Atlas would look like. We will use this representative persona in our UX design process so that we continue to be conscious of the perspective of users of the site. In other words, our design process will develop on the basis of this persona. A link to our persona is available here: https://live.uxpin.com/4b8e22eba55f7ab23848b6b69551b62387fdaed9#/pages/101983

Appendix (Data from Individual User Tests)User #1:What is your professional position? Real estate

How long have you been a resident and/or worked in this area? 5 years

How do you use geographic data, GIS or maps in your profession? We look at information such as: streets, schools, census data, commercial and retail establishments to determine or compare property values.

How would you characterize your level of expertise with GIS or geographic data? minimal

Do you build your own maps? If not, how do you obtain the maps or other geospatial information you need? No, I search for information that is already made available.

Do you generate your own data? Who do you get data from? A few examples: http://polaris3g.mecklenburgcountync.gov/,

http://maps.co.mecklenburg.nc.us/openmapping/data.html,

What unmet needs do you have for spatial information? For geographic tools or maps products? NA

Task #1:Look through the home page without clicking on anything.

Is the visual design of the home page informative? YesIs the visual design of the home page pleasant to look at?Suggestion: the social media icons (on the left of the page) too large and in the way- maybe place scaled down versions at bottom of the page to leave space for more content under “About the Atlas”Which content seems to be given priority on this page?Definitely the slide-showWhat is your experience of looking at the home page?No major problemsWhat would you click on first?The slide show Task #2: Navigate through the tabs on the top of the site. Can you find information about the goals of the website? Yes

Which part (if any) of the website gives you the information you need to understand the goals of the website?

The “About us” page

What is your experience of navigating through the website?Positive

Is there content that you would like to add that is not available?Not that I can think of

Is there a function that you wish you could add?None that come to mind

How would you change the information and priority of content on this site?NA Task #3: Navigate to the About Us tab.

Does this page give you the information needed to understand how you can the goals of the website? Yes

How would you change the content on this page to give you more information? NA

How would you change the visual design of this page to be more pleasing? Suggestion: fill up some of the blank space on the right side of the page What is your experience of using this page? Positive Task #4: Navigate to the Maps tab.

Does this page give you the information needed to understand how or why to use maps?

Yes What is your experience of looking through this page? Positive How would you change this page?

NA

Written Responses: What did you like most about the informational content and visual design of the site? The "Map Page" was functional and the "About us" page was informative and did not contain too much or too little information. What would you change about the visual design of the site? Make use of the wasted space (right side of the page) IE: trending maps, maps in the news (pertaining to the area), or an area where new maps added can be displayed/introduced. Instead of the

large social media icons, use space to elaborate more on the "About Us" (maybe paraphrase so full explanation will fit.) What would you change about the information content and priority of the content on the site? More information (or explanation) is needed for the “Data Catalogue” page What were the most difficult and the most easy pats of using the site? The "Data Catalog" page was the most difficult to navigate or understand. The large slide show was strange use of space. More explanation is needed on this page. User #2: Participant information and Use Case InformationWhat is your professional position? College Professor How long have you been a resident and/or worked in this area? 27 years How do you use geographic data, GIS, or maps in your profession? I don’t professionally,but have an interest in it as a property owner and resident of coastal North Carolina. How would you characterize your level of expertise with GIS or geographic data? minimal Do you build your own maps? If not, how do you obtain the maps or other geospatial information you need? No, but I use paper maps, atlas books, and Google Maps/Earth. Do you generate your own data? Who do you get data from? I don’t generate my own data. I get data from regional environmental groups that I belong to. What unmet needs do you have for spatial information? For geographic tools or maps products? None that I can think of as I trust I can find most anything I would like to collect information from online. Task 1:Look through the home page without clicking on anything.

Is the visual design of the home page informative?Yes, at first glance. Decent use of space and type that stands out.Is the visual design of the home page pleasant to look at?Yes. It has good readability.Which content seems to be given priority on this page?

I think it is what the atlas is for. Also, upcoming and recent events along with social media.

What is your experience of looking at the home page?Good first impression. As someone with a design background I think it is pretty well designed.

What would you click on first?I would probably click on the top blue bar first.Overall task rating: 1 Task 2:Navigate through the tabs on the top of the site.

Can you find information about the goals of the website?Yes, but loads a little slow. Maps work well.

Which part (if any) of the website gives you the information you need to understandthe goals of the website?The home page.

What is your experience of navigating through the website?Good so far.

Is there content that you would like to add that is not available?No. It could be overwhelming if there was more content. Good use of space to find stuff currently.

Is there a function that you wish you could add?No

How would you change the information and priority of content on this site?No changes. As an amateur and a lay-person interested in the coastal environment I would trust that this is all the basic information that I would need.Overall task rating: 1 Task 3:Navigate to the About Us tab.Does this page give you the information needed to understand how you can use the site?Perfect for what I would need. In terms of what’s going on with potential water rise and how it would impact Eastern North Carolina, which would be the primary reason I would go to this site as a property owner.

How would you change the content on this page to give you more information?Wouldn’t change.How would you change the visual design of this page to be more pleasing?Looks good visually. Maybe switch to a Seraph typeface on the About Us page.What is your experience of using this page?

Good.Overall task rating: 1 Task 4:Navigate to the Maps tab.Does this page give you the information needed to understand how or why to use the maps?Yes

What is your experience of looking through this page?Found the create a map feature interesting. Had information that I was interested in (Ocean and Estuary Shorelines, Wetland Habitats and Threats).

How would you change this page?Wouldn’t change anything. It is a strong page.

Overall task rating: 1 Written Responses:

What did you like most about the informational content and visual design of the site? I like the scope of topics presented and links to more. The visual design is good though I mentioned that a serifed typeface might be a better choice for larger blocks of copy. However, the linespacing of the text is good and assists in the readability. The site feels uncluttered and it is easy to pick out subjects.

What would you change about the visual design of the site? Really nothing, but I would consider a font change for the larger areas of copy.

What would you change about the information content and priority of the content on the site? Nothing. I think there is the good range of topic headings that someone can scope out and decide which ones to dig deeper into.

What were the most difficult and the most easy parts of using the site? I did not find the site difficult at all. Everything is presented in a well organized and logical fashion so I would rate the entire site as easy and user friendly. User #3: Participant information and Use Case InformationWhat is your professional position? Engineer How long have you been a resident and/or worked in this area? Not from the NC area

How do you use geographic data, GIS, or maps in your profession? No How would you characterize your level of expertise with GIS or geographic data? minimal Do you build your own maps? If not, how do you obtain the maps or other geospatial information you need? No. Do you generate your own data? Who do you get data from? No. What unmet needs do you have for spatial information? For geographic tools or maps products? None. Impression TestThere’s a map, menu across the top, that's it. Not enough time to... Something about NC and maps. No idea about products and services. Not enough time to do anything. Task 1:Look through the home page without clicking on anything.

Is the visual design of the home page informative?Good layout, visual design looks okay.Is the visual design of the home page pleasant to look at?Good starting point. Simple layout, not overwhelming.Which content seems to be given priority on this page?Content given priority seems to be maps.

What is your experience of looking at the home page?Why is the logo so close to the end?

What would you click on first?Probably would click on maps firstOverall task rating: 4 Task 2:Navigate through the tabs on the top of the site.

Can you find information about the goals of the website?Yes, but loads a little slow. Maps work well.

Which part (if any) of the website gives you the information you need to understandthe goals of the website?The About Us page give me the information I need.

What is your experience of navigating through the website?

I don’t know what this stuff is at first, but it’s not bad, you know. Using the map seems pretty easy, it works good, I'm able to do that.

Is there content that you would like to add that is not available?No.

Is there a function that you wish you could add?No

How would you change the information and priority of content on this site?Layout is in a way that is easy to navigate but the About Us page tab should be next to the home tab because when you go to the home page you don't know what is going on in the other pages. The rest of the tabs are in a good order. Overall task rating: 2 Task 3:Navigate to the About Us tab.Does this page give you the information needed to understand how you can use the site?It doesn’t tell you what or how to use the site, doesn’t tell you what to do, the instructions for the map didn’t tell you exactly what to do.

How would you change the content on this page to give you more information? I might change this by adding a section on how to use the site/program

within.How would you change the visual design of this page to be more pleasing? Visual design is goodWhat is your experience of using this page? Good.

Overall task rating: 3 Task 4:Navigate to the Maps tab.Does this page give you the information needed to understand how or why to use the maps?Even the maps page doesn’t tell you how to use the maps exactly. I can figure it out, but it doesn’t tell you.

What is your experience of looking through this page?Interesting to explore the different maps and layers.

How would you change this page? Add more information to explain explicitly how to use the maps.Overall task rating: 1 Written Responses:

What did you like most about the informational content and visual design of the site? Had fun playing with the maps. Design is simple and site is relatively easy to navigate.

What would you change about the visual design of the site? Visually it looked okay.

What would you change about the information content and priority of the content on the site? The tabs should be rearranged at the top so that the About Us section is first after Home. Then maps, then database, and so forth.

What were the most difficult and the most easy parts of using the site? Easy to navigate the tabs. Nothing really that difficult. Needs more explaining on how to use the features.