CS 774 - Human Computer Interaction
Spring 2006
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Usability Project
In this project you will carry out a usability study on an existing interface. You will
- Write a proposal for the study which details
- The user population for the interface including diversity issues.
- A discussion and comparison of appropriate testing methods for the interface.
- A proposal to carry out two of the methods.
- Carry out the proposed usability tests
- Testing results
- Write a report that that details the testing results and recommendations that follow
- Usability report
Your final report will have parts A through E. Initially you will hand in A-C to get
approval for the proposed testing methods.
The intent of this assignment is to write a complete usability report as you might for a
client as a consultant (or as you might at work for a current project.) In tone and style
write as you were writing for your current supervisor or co-workers.
Given time constraints of a semester course, though, the intent is for you to carry out
small scale tests with 1-2 participants, rather than full tests with many users. Better have
one thorough test than several sloppy ones. In your design you may set the number of users
that you'd like to observe or survey, but in your actual tests come short of this.
In requesting you use two methods of testing, the intent is to use at least one based on user
observation and a second one that be expert or survey based.
Grading of the assignment will be based on:
- Thoroughness in analyzing the user population and the breadth of possible methods.
- Care in proposing and designing the tests, with particular attention to what you are
trying to measure and how the tests get at those measures.
- Care in carrying out and documenting the tests.
- A well-written and analyzed report.
Due dates:
March 29th, initial proposal
April 12th, revised proposal
April 26th, final report and 10 minute presentation