Xuan
Zhang.
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UMD iSCHOOL WEBSITE REDESIGN
PHASE 1
WEBSITE EVALUATION
As part of this assignment, we evaluated the UMD iSchool Home page with respect to its visual interface design. The web page is divided into three sections: top menu bar that focuses on University-level links, a middle section that is further divided into four sections, and a contact details section.
The middle section has the following divisions -
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Menu bar,
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News, events and updates on iSchool,
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Links to news, events, social media and programs offered in the iSchool
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Quick links to information about the iSchool, programs offered and admission related links
The middle section has the following divisions:
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Menu bar,
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News, events and updates on iSchool,
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Links to news, events, social media and programs offered in the iSchool
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Quick links to information about the iSchool, programs offered and admission related links
ISSUES IN THE WEBSITE INTERFACE
1. There is news all over the page - in the topmost menu, and in the middle section’s second, third as well as fourth divisions. Limiting it to only one section would suffice.
2. Topmost menu bar: The home icon leads to the main University web page, which would make sense if a user has landed on the iSchool web page by starting with the University web page.
The ‘About’ link is actually related to the University as a whole and not the iSchool (The iSchool’s ‘About’ link is in the middle section). Not only is this a really long list, its font size is really small and also has some unnecessary links like ‘Past Presidents’, ‘Strategic Plan’, ‘University Archives’. If a user is interested in this information, we believe they’d look for it in the University’s web page instead of the iSchool’s web page.
Also, the ‘Fearless ideas’ link leads to the ‘Giving’ page of the University having a tab called ‘Fearless ideas’. If this link is absolutely needed, then it must be given a different title that is more apt and obvious, like ‘Giving’.
Finally, the sliding ‘UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND’ bar has a non-obvious function. Why place links at the top when you’d want the user to be able to hide them while not even fitting all the rest of the web page onto the screen.
REDESIGNED HOMEPAGE
Following are the justifications for the changes we proposed based on the principles of good visual design:
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Shapes are self-contained areas. To define the area, the graphic artist uses lines, differences in value, color, and/or texture. Every object is composed of shapes.
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Color palette choices and combinations are used to differentiate items, create depth, add emphasis, and/or help organize information. Color theory examines how various choices psychologically impact users
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Texture refers to how a surface feels or is perceived to feel. By repeating an element, a texture will be created and a pattern formed. Depending on how a texture is applied, it may be used strategically to attract or deter attention.
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Typography refers to which fonts are chosen, their size, alignment, color, and spacing.
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Form applies to three-dimensional objects and describes their volume and mass. Form may be created by combining two or more shapes and can be further enhanced by different tones, textures, and colors.
PHASE 2
USABILITY TEST
After website evaluation, we then conducted a usability test on the UMD iSchool website (http://ischool.umd.edu). The major goal of this usability testing is to identify potential design concerns in order to improve the efficiency, productivity, and end-user satisfaction of this website.
Test objectives:
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To find design inconsistencies and usability problems (function problems, usage control problems, etc.) within the user interface.
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To find other potential errors may include.
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To test the usability of the website on different conditions and multiple devices (laptop, mobile, pad, and so on).
HOW TO PREPARE THE TEST?
PROCESS OF TESTING
