Task 7.5

Time to blog again and what an interesting topic i have got to talk about! .... :)

My topic to discuss is about Monash University Library Catalogue Usability Study. The purpose of this study is to to provide data to assist with the redesign of the catalogue’s user interface. The aim of the redesign is to add some new functionality and improve both the usability and aesthetics of the library catalogue. Thus participants are recruited through advertisements placed on noticeboards in Monash University Library Branches and other locations in Australian campuses, through the library website, notice in Monash Memo and via email discussion lists. The payment for participants taking part in this study would be a $50 book voucher given at end of usability test.

By users taking part in this study will help the Monash University Library and Web Resources and Development improve the design, making it easier for staff & students to use.
The Usability Test consists of the following components: Methodology, Facilitator Script (Testing Script), Background Questionnaire, Consent Form and task lists. Now let me take you to each component in some detail for better understanding.

1) Methodology: This is just like a plan or itinerary as to how would the usability test be conducted. It mentiones about the objectives of the test, the testing environment, types of users involved, summary of tasks/ activities to be done, recruitment of participants, data collection method, data security, particpant greeting, etc.

2) Facilitator script: introductions, objectives of test, what activities/ tasks to be done, and some advise and instructions to be followed.

3) Consent form: Basically asking permission to video tape user actions during the usability test for research and analysis purpose. This form also mentions that data will be retained in Information Technology Services (ITS) Division for protection and user can access that information at any point in future and users are free to ask questions and leave test at anytime.

4) Background Questionnaire: A set of questions ranging from mcqs to comments must be filled by users to get feedback on test and improvements required in system. It comprises of sections such as general information. computer experience, internet and web experience and familiarity with use of library catalogue.

5) Task lists: 7 tasks are listed down for users to complete in 2 hours. The tasks will cover the basic concerns that Monash Library Stakeholders have regarding the catalogue system which are: Catalogue Terminology, Search Behavior, search interface, search limits, search results screens,saving, emailing and printing,loan or book requests and managing loans.

After thorough reading of the materials of the Monash Usability Study, i observed lots of repetition from one component to another. That makes it quite annoying for the person reading the materials and even the user could be confused as which oen to follow and might face information overload. For example the usability study objectives, introduction, payment of participant, study/ testing environment, data storage (in consent form) or data security (in methodology) all are available in each component of the usability study and is repeated. Sometimes it feels like one component has less/ more information to the other component. Similarly i found the questionnaire sections to have some irrelevant questions which are not justified like internet usage and eyesight questions. Lastly i would like to criticize about "thinking aloud protocol". Personally i feel that thinking aloud may create a noisy environment and users might feel awkward. This type of method would be more useful if its done for one user at a time and this was not mentioned in the usability study components. Because "thinking aloud" with many users in one room means making noises and creating distractions for users to concentrate and express themselves freely.

Besides that the usability study materials look professional and shows how professionally it is going to be conducted by Monash University Library and Web Resources and Developement. the usability study sample materials were so useful that i used it as a good reference and foundation for my usability test for moodle.

Hope you enjoyed my blog! .... :)