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Front & Back Matter

Transmittal Memo


To: Professor Janie Santoy
From: Sebrina Schultz
Date: April 22, 2009
Subject: Recommendation Report for Andy Alvarez’s Color Correction Tutorial

Enclosed is the recommendation report for Andy Alvarez’s Color Correction tutorial, as specified per your instructions.
In this report you will find the appropriate front and back matter, introduction and discussion segment. I have also enclosed a table of contents and list of references.
I trust you will find this report to detail my recommendations for future improvements Mr. Alvarez can make to his tutorial.
Thank you fro your time in reviewing this report.








Recommendation Report
for
Andy Alvarez’s Color Correction Tutorial








Prepared by Sebrina Schultz
Digital Media Design Technology









Report Distributed April 22, 2009
Table of Contents

Letter of Transmittal iiv
Title Page iv
Table of Contents v
Abstract I
Summary II
Introduction III
Usability Testing IV
MEELS V
Method of Testing VI
Test Conclusions VII
Recommendations VIII
References IX
Appendix 1: Test Plan X










Abstract

This report is addressing the usability of the Color Creation tutorial created by Andy Alvarez on March 1, 2009. It details the memorability and learnability of the said tutorial as gathered from research and testing conducted by the creator this report.
This report also explains the basis on which the tutorial was evaluated and establishes the importance of usability testing.
Ultimately, this report addresses the recommendation Andy Alvarez can use to improve the usability of his tutorial.














Summary

The objective of this report was to establish the memorability and learnability of Andy Alvarez’s Color Correction tutorial via usability testing.
An usability test was conducted on two subjects. The subjects were supplied with a real-life scenario, asked to view the tutorial, and then complete the tasks instructed from memory. After completion of tasks, they filled out a brief questionnaire evaluating their opinion of the tutorial.
The results were very positive and the tutorial soared in the areas tested for.
The final recommendations were correction of spelling and grammatical errors and allowing more time for each slide during the presentation.












References

(2007). "Usability Testing". The University of Texas at Austin Learning to Publish. Retrieved from http://www.utexas.edu/learn/usability/index.html on April 14, 2009.

Travis, David. (2007). "A Business Case for Usability". Website Tips.com. Retrieved from http://websitetips.com/articles/usability/benefits/ on April 14, 2009.

(2009). "Usability". Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usability on April 22, 2009.

Introduction and Body of Report

ﾠ

Introduction

On March 1, 2009, Andy Alvarez created a tutorial designed to instruct his audience on performing color correction to photographs within Adobe Photoshop. Upon completion of the creation of this tutorial, a usability test was conducted to determine what areas could use improvement.
Questions were raised as regards, how memorable and learnable the tutorial is. These were evaluated on the basic standards and definitions of the MEELS. Within the body of this report, the definition of this acronym will be discussed.
Ultimately the purpose of this report is to provide the client, Andy Alvarez, with suggestions on how to improve his tutorial to be better memorable and learnable by his desired audience.
The contents of this report are as follows:
Importance of Usability Testing
Explanation of MEELS
Usability Test Method
Conclusions from Usability Test
Recommendations

Usability Testing

ﾠThe value of usability testing is that it helps identify problems within tech documents before they are unleashed on the general population. Usability expert Jakob Nielsen is quoted as saying, “It takes only five users to uncover 80 percent of high-level usability problems.” (Usability Testing, 2007, p.1)
David Travis provided the following reason for why usability testing is effective: “Improving efficiency also improves usage. For example, human factors firm HFI used usability methods to improve a recruitment web site for civil servants and made it 12 times faster to find a job. This redesign also boosted the percentage of people that could successfully find a job from 30% to 100%.” (2007)
Effective application of usability testing and the resulting recommendations will decrease the time spent learning the task at hand. Peter Cochrane explained the meaning of this, “The world is divided into two kinds of people: those who spend a great deal of time trying to save money, and those who spend a great deal of money trying to save time.” (Travis, 2007)

MEELS

MEELS is an acronym for the components that make up the definition of “usability” according to usability consultant Jakob Nielsen and computer science professor Ben Shneiderman. The letters or the acronym are represented as follows:
“Memorability: When users return to the design after a period of not using it, how easily can they re establish proficiency?
Efficiency of Use: Once users have learned the design, how quickly can they perform tasks?
Errors: How many errors do users make, how severe are these errors, and how easily can they recover from the errors?
Learnability: How easy is it for users to accomplish basic tasks the first time they encounter the design?
Subjective Satisfaction: How pleasant is it to use the design?” (Usability, 2009)

ﾠ

M	memorability
E	efficiency
E	errors
L	learnability
S	satisfaction

ﾠ

The two MEELS focused on in the usability test were memorability and learnability. These measures were chosen because they are very useful in determining if the instructions are successful in accomplishing their goal. It was hoped that upon testing the subjects would be able to successfully learn the instructions and remember how to accomplish the task without having to look back at the tutorial or ask for help.

Method of Testing

The usability test was approached with the project goal of determining if Andy Alvarez’s Color Correction tutorial was memorable and learnable.
The test began by selecting a target user audience. The test subjects would be selected from this audience. Aspiring photographers and graphic artists who already had basic skills in photoshop but could improve those by learning new techniques were sought. They would have some limited experience in graphic arts from taking basic classes or learning on their own but need to know how to execute common techniques required in their line or work.
Once the two test subjects were selected, the testing process was started. Each subject was provided with a “real life” scenario and task to help them feel the value of the instructions.
The scenario was: You’ve been asked to photograph a friend’s wedding to pad your portfolio. The composition of the shots was great but the lighting was just awful and now the colors just don’t seen right. What can you? You could always apply some color correction within Photoshop. The following instructions which we will be testing will teach you how to apply this useful technique to all your photos.
Then the subject was asked to complete the following tasks:
1. View and follow tutorial
2. Open Adobe Photoshop and load photograph
3. Complete tutorial steps
4. Submit finished result
Answer brief questionnaire
On April 6, 2009, the tests were completed according to a set protocol which consisted of the following steps:
1. Explain test to subject.
2. Introduce scenario.
3. Have the subject view tutorial at own pace.
4. Observe subject’s reaction.
5. Close tutorial.
6. Have subject open Photoshop and open desired photograph.
7. Have subject complete tutorial steps from memory.
8. Silently observe subject’s actions.
9. When completed, have subject present before and after of photograph.
10. Have subject complete brief questionnaire on what they learned and what they felt about tutorial.
11. Thank subject and excuse them from test.
The questions found in the test questionnaire were:
1. Do you think you would be able to complete this task again in the future without consulting the tutorial?
2. Were the directions clear enough for you to follow?
3. Was this tutorial useful for future projects?
Did you find the wording of the steps to be memorable and help you retain the process?

Test Conclusions

Very positive responses were received from the subjects upon completion of the test. One user even stated, “The instructions were very clear, concise, and easy to follow as well as remember. I don't see myself having any issues in successfully completing similar tasks in the future. The pictures made it even easier to understand. I look forward to future editing projects!”

ﾠ	Learnability	Understandability	Usefulness	Memorability
User 1	*	*	*	*
User 2	*	*	ﾠ	*

ﾠ

As the chart illustrates, the tutorial was a hit in all the areas tested for. The only problem, was the one of the users questioned the usefulness of the tutorial to future assignments.

Recommendations

Because of the excellent results from the usability test, my recommendations are very limited. The main concern was that of grammar and accurate spelling.

(insert slide here)
The spelling error posted in the above slide seemed to be very distracting for the test subjects. This would be an appropriate error to correct.
Also the slide timing seemed a little quick. The users had trouble keeping up with the tutorial pace and needed to pause on each slide in order to read and comprehend everything. It would be wise to adjust the presentation timing to allow more time for each slide in the tutorial.
Overall, the tutorial was very effective and accomplished it’s goals. Therefore, that is the complete extent of my recommendations.

Research Analysis

Q. What did you find that your client can use to improve the tutorial?
A. From the usability testing I conducted, I discovered that this tutorial is very effective in its purpose. However the author could improve their grammar and spelling usage.

Q. What categories does your information fit into?
A. My information fits into the written category. I plan to present it predominantly if not all verbally.

Q. What were the types of issues, etc. which were revealed via your research?
A. The main issue I encountered in this tutorial was that of spelling errors. The author needs to spend more time proofing for those. This seemed to be a major distraction for my users.

References

(2007). "Usability Testing". The University of Texas at Austin Learning to Publish. Retrieved from http://www.utexas.edu/learn/usability/index.html on April 14, 2009.

Travis, David. (2007). "A Business Case for Usability". Website Tips.com. Retrieved from http://websitetips.com/articles/usability/benefits/ on April 14, 2009.

(2009). "Usability". Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usability on April 22, 2009.

Main Sections of a Recommendation Report

As the name suggests, a recommendation report is used to recommend a specific course of action. In this case we will be discussing our personal recommendations as regards the improvement of our client's tutorial based upon the research we gathered when conducting the usability test.

The general format of a recommendation report requires the following sections:

Letter of Transmittal - although this is not required for all reports, we will be using one to outline the intent of our attached report.

Title Page - includes title and brief report purpose.

Table of Contents - List of report contents in order of appearance.

Front Matter - includes a forward and summary of the report.

Discussion Segment - consists of introduction, a body structured in a hierarchical structure, and a conclusion with recommendations.

References - list of the works cited in the report

Notes from test session...

The test went as planned and the subjects' responses were positive. The clarity of the tutorial seems to hold strong. Although the "result" typo gained a few chuckles.

Test Plan: Sections 1-6

Project Goals

The goal of these instructions is to educate up and coming graphic designers and photographers in applying color correction to their photographs.
These instructions are useful because they teach their audience a valuable new skill to add to their repertoire and these users need to apply the directions to their future projects.
These users have beginning background in graphic arts or photography and are some what familiar with Photoshop.
These users are working on projects pertaining to school or work assignments.
The machine is what make this technique possible but the user is the one who must know how to use the features the machine offers.

Testing Goals

I will be focusing on memorability and learnability.
I chose these measures because I feel these would be very useful in determining if these instructions are successful in accomplishing their goal.
I hope to learn if these instructions were written correctly and will truly help their users.
This information will help validating the instructions and improving my testing skills.

User Profile

The users are aspiring photographers and graphic artists who already have basic skills in photoshop but can improve these by learning new techniques.
They need to know how to execute common techniques required in their line or work.
They have some limited experience in graphic arts from taking basic classes or learning on their own.
They are working on projects for work or school assignments.
Machine is in charge of accomplishing these techniques digitally while the user must learn how to operate the machine.

Scenarios and Tasks

You’ve been asked to photograph a friend’s wedding to pad your portfolio. The composition of the shots was great but the lighting was just awful and now the colors just don’t seen right. What can you? You could always apply some color correction within Photoshop. The following instructions which we will be testing will teach you how to apply this useful technique to all your photos.

Testing Materials

To accomplish this test I will need access to Photoshop, a sample photograph, and pen and paper to record notes during the test.
I will need Adobe Photoshop installed on my computer in order to accomplish this test.
The user will have to use my computer and Adobe Photoshop to participate in this test.
I believe those are the only materials I will need.

Testing Protocol

The test will take place over a series of days this weekend from my home. I hope to have at least two test participants.
I will start the test with the scenario introduction and allow a selection of photographs. Then I will play the instructions for the user. After they feel comfortable with the information I will allow them to try and accomplish the technique using Photoshop. I will conclude by thanking my user for his/her cooperation.
I plan on having as little interaction on the user as possible during the testing procedure so as not to sway the testing information. I also plan on allowing them to thoroughly work out the situation on their own to validate the quality of the instructions.
I will ask questions after the test regarding their opinion of the instructions.
I plan to be able to submit a test report along with reactions to the testing process.