Nicolette's+DECIDE+Framework

__1. Determine overall goals of the evaluation__ My overall goal for my user evaluation is to find out the effectiveness of our navigational system in order to attain key information from our Visual Arts website prototype. The ability to find information quickly such as the Visual Arts Department contact information and for prospective students, if a future in this field is right for them, is key on numerous levels. If prospective students are unable to locate this //basic information//, it might hinder them from further researching what the program has to offer them. Also, if they are unable to locate this basic information, what could that say about the rest of our site, or even their possible experience in applying and enrolling. It immediately sets off a negative experience. Then in the instance of finding contact information, all levels of users, whether it be prospective or current students, faculty, alumni, or other visitors, should be able to quickly locate this information to avoid the frustration of finding this basic information. So in doing this evaluation I hope to have a good understanding on how our prototype measures up to these goals that I have outlined.
 * DECIDE Framework**
 * //What do you want to find out and why it is important?//**

__2. Explore the questions that need to be answered__ Are users able to quickly access the two elements that I have outlined in the first section? //- Career Choice - Contact Information// Is the navigation system effective? Are there ways in which we can improve upon the labeling/ navigation system?
 * //What are the "big" questions you want answered that provide actionable insights?//**

__3. Choose the evaluation paradigm and techniques to answer questions__ In order to get answers to the questions that I have posed, I will be doing a structured task evaluation and then a short, two-question interview for additional feedback. In performing a structured task evaluation we can properly access specific segments of our Visual Arts website prototype. There are two scenarios and subsequent questions that I have formulated. The structured task evaluation will consist of a small scenario that will be read to the user, after the test subject has signed the consent form that will be provided and the project brief has been read to them, that will put them in the position of a prospective student. After the scenario is read out loud to the test subject them will be asked to execute a desired task. Then notes will be taken of the user’s process, and hopefully provide feedback in regards to the questions that I have surrounding our prototype. For additional feedback a couple questions will be asked to the test subject.
 * //Provide a rationale for the selection of methods, for example, why select structured task instead of unstructured exploration//**

__4. Identify the practical issues that must be addressed__ My main issue would be my ability to find prospective students, hopefully at a high school level, to perform my user test. The other issue would be browser compatibility, however I can eliminate this issue by having the test done on my laptop.
 * //Describe the testing environment, equipment and participants ? Are there any possible concerns?//**

__5. Decide how to deal with the ethical issues__ I don’t think that any ethical issues will be incurred from doing this type of prototype testing. The test subjects rights are being respected in all instances.
 * //Are there any ethical issues that you may encounter? How will you address these?//**

__6. Evaluate, interpret and present the data__ The information that is gathered from doing this testing will help us make modifications to our prototype and enabling, hopefully, a better user experience. The group will further evaluate all of the information before being implemented.
 * //Analysis and interpret the collected data to identify patterns or themes that emerge//**