Assignment 6
Download as PPTX, PDF1 like287 views
This document provides guidance on completing Assignment 6 which involves individually testing and comparing two digital tools or apps. It outlines the steps to complete a usability test of the tools, including choosing two similar tools, performing tasks with each tool while taking notes, and writing a white paper summarizing the findings. The white paper should follow a specific format, including an introduction describing what was tested and why, a methods section detailing the tasks performed, a results section presenting the test findings and any issues encountered, and a recommendation section advising potential users on the tools. Examples of tool categories and specific tools that could be tested are also provided.
Assignment 6
- 1. Assignment 6: Writing to Present Findings from a Usability Test*
- 2. Overview Or, what the heck are tools and apps?
- 3. What is it? You will be doing an “individual walkthrough” of TWO digital tools or apps that may be useful for technical writers. You may also use to tools or apps that are useful in your field.
- 4. But Ari … what do you mean by a tool or app? I’m glad you asked! Tools: Digital tools, often referred to as Web 2.0 technology. They are often web-based. Apps: Apps are free or purchased technology that perform a certain function. These are often downloaded but may also be web-based
- 5. What to Choose Two digital tools or apps that can be compared. Often, these are similar in scope or function. I bet you want examples, huh?
- 7. Examples: Presentations & Word Processing Google Docs Prezi Powerpoint Zoho Microsoft Word Pages Empressr
- 8. Examples: Infographics and Data Visualization Piktochart Wordle Easel.ly Google Timeline Create.ly Bubbl.us Publisher Illustrator Photoshop
- 9. Examples: Web Design & Blogs Wix Weebly WordPress Blogger
- 10. Examples: Social Media & Bookmarking Facebook Twitter Google Plus Pinterest Mashable Redd.it LinkedIn
- 11. Examples: Cloud Storage Dropbox Box.net iCloud JustCloud ZipCloud
- 12. And MORE! ArcGIS vs. free online mapping tools Google Maps vs. Yahoo Maps MatLab Any other digital tools you may use. Skype vs. Facebook chat vs. Facetime etc
- 13. How to Get Started Don’t know where to start? Follow these steps.
- 14. Usability Test: Step 1 Choose your tools. It’s easiest if you don’t have expert-level knowledge of these tools. Decide on a set of tasks you will do using each product. For example, if you are comparing Facebook and Twitter, your tasks might be signing up, logging in, posting a status, replying to a status, etc.
- 15. Usability Test: Step 2 Do each task for each app. Take detailed notes as you do the tasks – this will make writing your paper so much easier! Test the affordances (those things that work well) and constraints (those things that don’t work well of the limitations of the tool). Pay attention to any problems you encounter when trying to use the product. Be sure to note them!
- 16. Usability Test: Step 3 Writeup your findings in a White Paper format. About 1000 words. Audience: Potential users of the tools or apps you test. Imagine that you have been asked to write a white paper about your test for Technology Today, an internet site dedicated to offering information about the latest technology.
- 17. White Paper Format How is it supposed to look?
- 18. In general, it should follow this outline: 1. Title Page 2. Introduction section 3. Methods section 4. Results section 5. Recommendation section
- 19. Format: Title Page Title Page: Yes, there needs to be a title page. Tips: Be specific and apply design features to make the title page interesting to potential readers.
- 20. Format: Introduction Section Rhetorically, the introduction creates a permanent record of what was tested, why, and for whom. Be specific in describing the products and typical users of these products.
- 21. Format: Methods Section Describe the specific tasks you did when using each product. Consider using a list here. State when you did the test, where, and anything else that helps a reader understand the testing methods you used such as type of computer (laptop, desktop, tablet?). Be very specific!
- 22. Format: Results Section (Part 1) Make a decision about how best to organize your results. Use subheadings in this section to help readers navigate and revisit information. Use elements of excellent design.
- 23. Format: Results Section (Part 2) Presentthe findings of the test by explaining the affordances and constraints of the tasks you completed. Youmay want to use graphics such as screen shots to illustrate claims you are making.
- 24. Format: Results Section (Part 3) Ifyou experienced problems when working with a product that proved to be inconvenient, such as an app crashing your browser, report those problems by describing what happened. Be specific, describing the who/what/where/when information.
- 25. Format: Results Section (Part 4) You may also want to determine the scope and severity of a problem and/or constraint and provide readers with a means of understanding these by using a rating scale such as: Unusable: the user cannot or will not perform the task. Severe: the user’s attempt to perform the task is severely hampered. Moderate: the user can perform the task with moderate effort to overcome the problem. Irritant: the problem is cosmetic, or does not present significant difficulty in the user’s effort to perform the task.
- 26. Format: Results Section (Part 5) Further, determine what part of the product the error affects. It may affect only one part of the product (local problems), several parts, but not all, of the product (semi-local or semi-global problems), or the entire product (global problem).
- 27. Format: Recommendation Make recommendations to potential users of the product. Consider if it is useful to explain which product might be best for a novice vs. a product for a more experienced user.