Devanprobert

Working title: SHRM Student Chapter
Author: Devan Probert
Date: August 12th, 2010

Subjects

Three people participated in the usability test for the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Student Chapter web page.  Participants include a classmate, SHRM club member, and a friend.   

Think Aloud Task

From the Home page, find the link that takes you to the Membership page and follow the instructions to become a member.

Summary of Think Aloud

All users managed to find the Membership page by clicking on the Membership tab.  One user pointed out that the “Home” page tab was always highlighted even after navigating to the Membership page.  After reading the benefits of becoming a member, one user did not understand the term “White Papers” which are journals articles provided by SHRM.  Another user pointed out that the headings did not line up evenly and that one link inside the membership page did not go to the right place.  I observed that one person seemed confused after clicking on a link that opened a PowerPoint presentation rather than a web page.

Summary of Post- test Interview

In the post test interview, I asked users to review a feedback survey that I provided for all visitors of the web page.  While answering the survey questions, most users commented on a few typographical errors and one user suggested adding background information in the Officer page about the upcoming elections in the fall.  Another user thought I should add more pictures and change the copyright year at the bottom of the page to the current year.

Findings to be Implemented

Based on the feedback from my usability tests, I will apply these changes:

• Fix typographical errors on the Home page and Leadership page.
• Highlight current page tabs.
• Explain that officer elections will be held this fall.
• Repair links that take users to the wrong place.
• Place a note that lets users know a hyperlink opens a PowerPoint presentation.
• Add 2010 as the copyright year.
• Change the header spacing to align evenly with the column to the left.

Findings that will not be implemented

Although one user suggested adding vibrant and fun pictures, I think the page is fine for audience of business professionals.  People will primarily visit this page to register for membership and find updates on events.  As we have meetings this semester, I will add pictures of club activities and pictures of the officers since this might be relevant to users looking for more information about membership.  One user suggested giving a description of White Papers, but since this is not highly important information, I just provided a hyperlink on the word “White Papers,” so if people want to learn more, they can click on the link.

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