For the past few weeks, we have been conducting usability testing sessions. We recruited a total of 32 participants from a variety of user groups such as undergraduate and graduate student, alumni, and staff members. Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful at recruiting faculty members for Phase 2.

Overall, we received positive reactions from our user groups and the homepage re-design was widely accepted. Our users loved the concept of the “big picture” changing and taken by “real” people.

For Phase 2, we used paper prototype testing. We showed the participants a mock-up of the proposed homepage with no graphics or colours. We would ask a series of question and would act as the computer when the user “clicked” on a certain part of the homepage. For example, when the user “clicked” anywhere on the main navigation we would bring out a panel and ask whether or not they expected that.

After a few sessions, we started noticing a couple of trends that consistently appeared in our users’ comments. Our participants have suggested removing the “for” from the pathway navigation, change feature story tab names (Your Research etc.), unbold “About Waterloo”, remove “start here” from Future Student: Start here, re-locate Support Waterloo, and remove “A-Z” from Offices & Services A-Z. Of course, these are suggestions and are subject to change since nothing is confirmed with the Core Web Redesign Team.

We are planning on conducting Phase 3 in mid-July 2010. Phase 3 will include both wireframe testing and remote usability testing. This will allow users from all around the world to login and participate. We are looking for a larger amount of volunteers for Phase 3 and hope faculty members will participate this time around!

Thank you for all your support so far with the redesign project! If you are interested in Phase 3, please sign up at http://web.uwaterloo.ca/webform/usability-testing-volunteer-sign