Northeastern's CPS Website Usability Test 21 June 2013

Introduction Assessing the issues with Northeastern's College of Professional Studies' website was the main goal of this test Secondary goals were identifying the general usability of the CPS website and testing if one was able to navigate it with ease or not.

Testing Environment The testing environment consisted of laptops, both Apple and PC based, and in a plain room on campus in the police department. The room was windowless, and without stimuli such as noise, photos, etc. Both testers were comfortable with the level of quiet in the room

Testers Both testers were employees of Northeastern University, and both had bachelors degrees in different fields. One had a background in engineering, and was considering a masters degree. Also was female, over the age of 40. The other tester was 26, had a background in criminal justice and holds a masters degree already and male.

Tasks Both were given the same tasks, and time was recorded on how long it took them, and also observations were made as to their expressions and comments, if any. The tasks were to navigate to the CPS site from the main Northeastern website, then from there attempt to logon. Next they were asked if the login and system was different from the main site.

Observations The male tester was able to navigate to the site fairly easy, but when presented with the logon said several obscenities quietly and looked strangely at the screen. The female tester took longer, but was much more patient than the male tester and did not seem as aggravated. Both remarked that the layout of the CPS site and main site were very different.

Data Male tester- Took 45 seconds from the main site to find and get on the CPS site. From there, thought the layout was very different and unsure if it was the right page. Also was unsure if the logins were different, and which login was needed. Female tester- Took 1 minute 10 seconds to do the same, and noted different layout as well. Took over 40 additional seconds to find the login, but wasn't sure if it was correct either.

Results Similarities were found in both testers, regardless of age. The female tester took longer, but also displayed much less aggravation and was seemingly much more patient. Both had difficulty finding where the login was, and even unsure if it was correct or not. Both remarked on the inconsistency found in the sites.

Recommendations Alter the Northeastern CPS website to follow a more consistent pattern with other Northeastern sites. Make the login much more visible and omnipresent. Ensure the user knows which login is for which system/logistical system.

Conclusions Based on the testing, there were some surprises but not many. Both testers had much difficulty with seemingly simple tasks, yet one was much more patient than the other. The confusion regarding the logins were acerbated by the small button locations for the logins, and nothing stating the different systems. Much could be learned from other universities' systems.