Usability Analysis Proposal
MEMO
To:
From:
Date: October 19, 2013
Re: Proposal for a Usability Analysis of the Science Blog Website
This memo contains my proposal for a usability study of the website: Science Blog – Science News Straight From The Source. Science Blog is a science media website that provides breaking press releases directly from the worlds largest research organizations. My usability analysis will identify and evaluate areas where the Science Blog website can improve to become more useful to its readers, as well as attract more readers.
This research project will analyze the organization of information, appropriateness of visual aids, and special features the of the Science Blog website. A PowerPoint presentation and a Final Report containing my research methods, results, and recommendations will be submitted on November 13, 2013 and December 6th, 2013 respectively.
Background
Founded in 2002, ScienceBlog “lives, breathes and eats press releases from research organizations around the globe” (ScienceBlog,2013). Most articles posted on the website are directly from the research outfits named in the stories themselves. Readers are also able to write and maintain blogs of their own adding to the thriving online science community (ScienceBlog,2013). Science Blog features articles from the University of California, University of Chicago, Cornell University, The Research Council of Norway, and Johns Hopkins University to name a few.
Criteria
As mentioned previously, I will evaluate the following criteria:
-Organization of information
-Appropriateness of visual aids
-Special features
These elements are vital in giving users a smooth, intuitive experience when navigating media websites.
Organization of Information
A great website counts on all pieces working in harmony(Wemmer, 2010). The most rational starting point is to determine a clear information structure for the website 's content (Idler, 2012). An organizational system that is
To:
From:
Date: October 19, 2013
Re: Proposal for a Usability Analysis of the Science Blog Website
This memo contains my proposal for a usability study of the website: Science Blog – Science News Straight From The Source. Science Blog is a science media website that provides breaking press releases directly from the worlds largest research organizations. My usability analysis will identify and evaluate areas where the Science Blog website can improve to become more useful to its readers, as well as attract more readers.
This research project will analyze the organization of information, appropriateness of visual aids, and special features the of the Science Blog website. A PowerPoint presentation and a Final Report containing my research methods, results, and recommendations will be submitted on November 13, 2013 and December 6th, 2013 respectively.
Background
Founded in 2002, ScienceBlog “lives, breathes and eats press releases from research organizations around the globe” (ScienceBlog,2013). Most articles posted on the website are directly from the research outfits named in the stories themselves. Readers are also able to write and maintain blogs of their own adding to the thriving online science community (ScienceBlog,2013). Science Blog features articles from the University of California, University of Chicago, Cornell University, The Research Council of Norway, and Johns Hopkins University to name a few.
Criteria
As mentioned previously, I will evaluate the following criteria:
-Organization of information
-Appropriateness of visual aids
-Special features
These elements are vital in giving users a smooth, intuitive experience when navigating media websites.
Organization of Information
A great website counts on all pieces working in harmony(Wemmer, 2010). The most rational starting point is to determine a clear information structure for the website 's content (Idler, 2012). An organizational system that is
References: Boyden, C. (2013, August) How to design a good website. Retrieved from http://lscr.berkeley.edu/advice/web/design Flash Mint (2008, November) 10 Key Features for a Perfect Website http://www.flashmint.com/wp/2008/11/10-key-features-for-a-perfect-website/ Hanna, J. (2013, April) 10 Tips to Improve Your Online Surveys. Retrieved from https://blog.surveymonkey.com/blog/2012/04/13/10-online-survey-tips/ Idler, S. (2012, September). Top 9 Guidelines For A Better Content Organization. Retrieved from http://blog.usabilla.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-content-organization-in-web-design/ Reed, F. (2008, April) Site Search Is Truly a Double Edged Sword. Retrieved from http://www.frankthinking.com/site-search-is-truly-a-double-edged-sword/ Science Blog (2013) Retrieved from http://scienceblog.com/ Thunder Data Systems (2007, May) Feeding the Masses with RSS. Retrieved from http://www.thunderdata.com/thunder_bits/ why_rss_feeds_are_important_to_your_ website .html Wemmer, K. (2010, March). Starting Out Organized: Website Planning the Right Way. Smash Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/03/17/starting-out- organized-website-content-planning-the-right-way/