Usability evaluation and redesign recommendations for MyNet portal thesis guidelines
Anderson, Polina (2018)
Anderson, Polina
Haaga-Helia ammattikorkeakoulu
2018
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018053111568
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018053111568
Tiivistelmä
This thesis presents a usability evaluation framework developed for the MyNet portal in the scope of thesis guidelines. The objectives of the study were to investigate the usability challenges on the pages, to provide suggestions for improvements, and to demonstrate possible solutions by redesigning the original user interface.
At the start of the project, the theoretical background was collected to inform the further study. Surveying and traditional in-lab moderated testing were considered to be efficient and cost-effective methods to constitute a usability testing framework.
In total, 30 thesis advisors and 148 students of Haaga-Helia UAS took part in the survey. The user group segmentation was primarily based on the gathered insights. The questionnaires were open for participants during the period from 19.12.2016 to 20.01.2017. Consequently, the usability testing took place during the period from 31.01.2017 to 09.02.2017. The testing was complemented by the various methods and techniques such as Concurrent Thinking Aloud (CTA), pre-test, post-test (SUS), and observations. 6 bachelor's degree program students participated in the test sessions individually.
The study findings revealed that the overall level of the ease of use of MyNet thesis pages was below the industry average. Learnability of the portal was measured as relatively low. However, the usability score alone achieved a good level. The evaluation helped to identify the main areas where usability improvements were required. Each area was considered during the redesign, which aimed to provide visual examples of the potential solutions.
As demonstrated by the study results, the designed testing framework successfully serves the purpose of usability evaluation. Therefore, it is recommended to include the framework in the design process.
At the start of the project, the theoretical background was collected to inform the further study. Surveying and traditional in-lab moderated testing were considered to be efficient and cost-effective methods to constitute a usability testing framework.
In total, 30 thesis advisors and 148 students of Haaga-Helia UAS took part in the survey. The user group segmentation was primarily based on the gathered insights. The questionnaires were open for participants during the period from 19.12.2016 to 20.01.2017. Consequently, the usability testing took place during the period from 31.01.2017 to 09.02.2017. The testing was complemented by the various methods and techniques such as Concurrent Thinking Aloud (CTA), pre-test, post-test (SUS), and observations. 6 bachelor's degree program students participated in the test sessions individually.
The study findings revealed that the overall level of the ease of use of MyNet thesis pages was below the industry average. Learnability of the portal was measured as relatively low. However, the usability score alone achieved a good level. The evaluation helped to identify the main areas where usability improvements were required. Each area was considered during the redesign, which aimed to provide visual examples of the potential solutions.
As demonstrated by the study results, the designed testing framework successfully serves the purpose of usability evaluation. Therefore, it is recommended to include the framework in the design process.