Introduction
The usability test was conducted on three websites: Harbor Front Center's, Barbican’s, and Phi Centre’s. The participant, a service design professional, navigated these sites to find events or courses that interest them while providing feedback. • The goal of the test was to understand user navigation experience. • Tasks included finding events/courses and giving feedback on design and functionality. • Modifications were made based on initial issues with screen sharing.
Key Findings
Harbourfront Center's Website • Participant found it easy to join but had issues with screen sharing. • Clean layout appreciated; 'What's On' feature useful for instant event updates. • Confusion over information hierarchy; dissatisfaction with high-cost short-duration courses.
Barbican’s Website • Bold color scheme liked; weekly activities highlighted prominently. • Confusion over whether free featured events are part of weekly schedule. • Persistent cookie notice distracting; information overload at bottom of homepage.
Phi Centre Website • Identified as contemporary and tech-based but less community-oriented. • Fast page transitions hindered comfortable browsing pace. • Interactive workshops appealed despite other issues.
Key Quotes
1. "I appreciated the clean layout of the Harbor Front Center website." 2. "I felt overwhelmed by excessive information towards the bottom of Barbican’s homepage." 3. "Phi Centre had a strong identity as being contemporary and tech-based."
Recommendations
1. Simplify Navigation: Make saving items for later viewing more intuitive across all sites. 2. Clarify Information: Provide clearer explanations about event details like pricing and ticketing to reduce confusion. 3. Improve Layouts: Consider reducing content overload using filters or logical section breaks for easier browsing. 4. Balance Aesthetics with Functionality: Ensure aesthetics do not compromise site usability and clarity. 5. Highlight Community Aspect: Emphasize community building in tech-focused sites like Phi Centre. 6. Control Page Transitions: Allow users to control page transition pace for better usability.
Conclusion
While all three websites had their strengths, improvements can be made in areas of navigation, information clarity, layout, aesthetic functionality balance, community aspect emphasis, and page transition pacing. These changes could significantly enhance user experience and satisfaction.