(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.
Tuesday, April 14, 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
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
Monday, April 6, 2009
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.
Friday, April 3, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Reflection–Rhetorical Choices Paper Prompts
Q. Who is your audience?
A. My audience are Digital Media Design students at TSTC or students anywhere majoring in graphic arts.
A. My audience are Digital Media Design students at TSTC or students anywhere majoring in graphic arts.
Q. What visuals did you choose to include Why? If you included a visual, why did you choose to include this particular visual?
A. I included photos and screen shots on each page to help my audience visualize what they are to do.
A. I included photos and screen shots on each page to help my audience visualize what they are to do.
Q. What are the important or essential design elements of your set of instructions?
A. I maintained a uniform design flow throughout my website.
A. I maintained a uniform design flow throughout my website.
Q. In which medium do you anticipate these instructions would be used?
A. Digital or online format.
A. Digital or online format.
Q. How would you change the presentation of your instructions if you had to physically present them to a user?
A. I would transfer them into a power point presentation that I would use as an aid as I visually demonstrated the process.
A. I would transfer them into a power point presentation that I would use as an aid as I visually demonstrated the process.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Intro & Conclusion Drafts
Every artist no matter his medium needs a killer portfolio. This includes graphic designers seeking a cutting edge career in the graphic arts industry. The first thing your potential employer wants to see are examples of your past work. In these instructions, I will show you how create that amazing portfolio that is sure to impress any critic.
Materials:
Examples of best work
Design editing software
Computer or Professional printer
Large format black portfolio or Internet access
Trusted adviser
...........................................
Congratulations! Now with a little effort and leg work you can land that deign job you've been dreaming about. Just remember to apply the rules you've learned about accepting critiques. And for more information on presenting yourself, check out this site: http://art-support.com/portfolio.htm. Good luck with the job hunt!
Materials:
Examples of best work
Design editing software
Computer or Professional printer
Large format black portfolio or Internet access
Trusted adviser
...........................................
Congratulations! Now with a little effort and leg work you can land that deign job you've been dreaming about. Just remember to apply the rules you've learned about accepting critiques. And for more information on presenting yourself, check out this site: http://art-support.com/portfolio.htm. Good luck with the job hunt!
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