The heuristic evaluation method

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OBJECTIVES In this assignment you are asked to apply the heuristic evaluation method to investigate usability issues of an educational website. The objectives of this exercise are:

• Demonstrate an understanding of various usability heuristics and web design principles; • Understand the procedure of applying heuristic evaluation;

• Recognize the strengths and weakness of the heuristic method by applying it to a website

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Compare and contrast two sets of heuristics: University of Virginia (UV) Web Usability Team Heuristics vs. Purdue University Web Site Support Team Heuristics (LITA Guide: p.9-18) and choose one for evaluating the Dallas College Library: https://www.dallascollege.edu/libraries/pages/default.aspx . Both UV Heuristics and Purdue University Heuristics are based on Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics. Please explain briefly (one paragraph) the rational of your choice.

2. Conduct a heuristic evaluation for this library website and discuss your findings in a heuristics evaluation report. For information about the process of evaluation, please consult (LITA Guide, p.13). The report should adhere to the following organization and requirements:

• Introduction (provide a brief description of evaluation objectives and overall findings)

• Body text (a. report both positive and negative aspects based on your evaluation of each heuristic; b. report severity of the problem; c. provide examples; d. provide remedy recommendations for identified issues;)

•Conclusion (offer a summary statement about the findings and recommendations) •Appendix (include illustrations—at least 5 screen shots that clearly indicate— use annotations—the area of usability concern you described in your report.) Note: your illustrations should appear in the appendix, not in the body of the report.

•Length: Approximately 1,000-1,500 words (without Appendix)

3. Submit your report via the “Assignments & Submisssions>> Assignment 1 Turnitin link in the Canvasclass website. Note: reports should be submitted in an MS Word file. Please do not paste the report in the contents box.