final project beta test

Working title: Marie Garcia           
Report Author: Financial Aid Consumer Information at USD
Date: December 15, 2009

Brief Profile of Users:
Three people participated in the beta testing.  Two participants were Financial Aid Counselors and one participant is a student at the University of San Diego.  None had seen the site prior to the testing.

Think Aloud task:
Describe initial reactions to the layout and content while exploring the site and then explain how to navigate to the Rights and Responsibilities of a financial aid recipient.

Summary of Think Aloud:
After exploring the site on their own, all three users believed that the content was very well organized.  They believed that the site would be very helpful for students and especially for parents since it gives more in-depth information than other publications.  The student believed that the amount of text could be seen as overwhelming, but felt that it was necessary to get all the important information.

All three users were able to find the Rights & Responsibilities section in less than five minutes.  One user commented that it was helpful that it is available in a PDF format because many students are not aware that this information is available.  The student also felt that many of the linked publications are very useful.

Summary of Posttest Interview:
After discussing the web site, all three users felt that it better organized than the current printed publication of consumer information.  While the site can be a lot of information to digest at once, they felt it was necessary and can help many students and parents with more complicated questions.  The student also commented that having this information so easily accessible from their homes is perfect and would save a lot of paper.  The student suggested that more of the publications be available on the web as well.

Findings to be Implemented
As a result of the beta test, the following changes will be made:

  • The Financial Aid Publications will include more important forms and guides that may be helpful to students and parents.
  •  The deadlines be bolded more or a larger font.

Findings that will not be Implemented

  • The amount of text on some pages will not be removed.  All of the information is valuable and has been determined by the Director of Financial Aid to be included regardless of the overwhelming amount on some pages within the site.