Usability by Example

Due: 9:00am on the due dates specified in the course Tentative Schedule.

Value: Written reports: 8% each, 40% total; In-class presentations: 5% each, 10% total

A good way to learn web design for usability is to apply information architecture (IA) theory and Web usability principles to examples of websites in order to identify usability problems as well as features that enhance usability. This assignment is designed to help you experience this way of learning. In addition, this assignment provides an opportunity for you to work collaboratively and to put to work the knowledge and skills regarding HTML and CSS that you learn each week. This is a group assignment.

This assignment relates to course objectives #1 to #4.

Requirements:

From the very beginning of the course, try to pay attention to the usability of the websites you visit when you surf the Web in light of the IA theory and web usability principles you learn in this course.

Choose any five of the Usability by Example assignments before the second class. Each week when there is one that is due for you, you will first do the required readings for the week, and then apply what you have learned from the readings to evaluate two websites in terms of how they follow or run counter to the IA and web usability theory and principles discussed in the readings. Feel free to use any additional readings on the same topic that you feel could enhance your understanding of the topic or help with your evaluation. Try to do the readings for the week early so that you have a better chance to find good examples of websites. If you start early, you probably won't need to go looking for them, they will come to you; just keep an eye out.

Specifically, you will work in a group of three or four students. First summarize the key points of the required readings, and identify a list of 3 to 5 IA and web usability principles from the readings that you think are most important and explain why you think so. Find two example websites that are still active, one properly following and the other seriously going against these principles. Do NOT use websites dominated by by user-generated content. You will then discuss why you think these websites are good or bad in relation to the principles identified. Be specific in your discussion (e.g., using examples from the websites you evaluate).

Write a report of 800-1000 words, and make sure to address the following questions with an emphasis on the first 4.

1. What are the key points of the readings for this week? Is there anything important that you disagree with? Why?
2. What are the most important 3-5 IA and web usability principles discussed in the readings? Why do you think they are most important?
3. How does each of the two websites you evaluate follow or violate these principles?
4. What benefits could following these principles provide to the users or what problems could the violations cause for them? (benefits and problems specific to the websites you evaluate.)
5. For the good website, are there any problems, and for the bad website, is there anything that it does well, in terms of those aspects of Web design discussed in the readings this week?

Present your report as a webpage (i.e., an HTML file) uploaded to the U of A web space of one of your group members. The webpage should reflect what you have learned from the HTML and CSS tutorials and labs in the previous weeks.

For the groups who have signed up for in-class presentations this week, bring your work to the class, and share your examples and your evaluation with the class. Try to generate some discussions that help enhance the class' understanding of the aspects of IA and web usability covered this week. Each group has 20-30 minutes in-class time.

Submission:

Email the URL of your group work to the instructor by 9:00am and (for some groups) present your work in class on the due date.

General Evaluation Criteria:

• Understanding of concepts and identification of most important IA and Web usability theory and principles from readings;
• Suitability of example websites for showing results of going for or against these principles;
• Application of IA and Web usability theory and principles in the evaluation of example websites;
• Demonstrated critical thinking;
• Demonstrated use of HTML and/or CSS techniques covered in tutorials and labs;
• Clear, well-organized and thought-provoking presentation and discussion in class;
• Attention to the requirements of the assignment.