Module 3 - Usability & Reflection

Reflection on usability testing participants:

• The four participants were fellow classmates, not the intended target audience.

• The ideal candidates (current coworkers) were unwilling to participate.

• This situation highlights a common challenge in usability testing: accessing the right participants.

• To improve in the future:

  • Investigate reasons for coworkers' unwillingness and address their concerns

  • Consider offering incentives for participation

  • Explore alternative times or methods that might be more convenient for target users

  • Build relationships and communicate the value of their input to encourage participation

Impact of the platform (Canvas) on testing and results:

• Canvas was used as the learning management system for testing.

• The survey indicates that participants found the online learning platform user-friendly (5/5 rating).

• Canvas's familiarity with fellow classmates might have positively influenced their experience.

• To improve:

  • Gather more specific feedback on Canvas's features and how they impacted the learning experience

  • Consider how Canvas's functionality aligns with or differs from the platforms your actual target audience typically uses

Lessons learned from usability testing feedback:

• The course structure and content were well received overall

• Hands-on activities and collaborative elements were effective

• The positive feedback from classmates, while encouraging, may not fully represent the experience of the intended audience (coworkers)

• The ease of use reported by classmates might be influenced by their familiarity with Canvas and similar course structures

• Some areas for improvement:

  • Simplify to-do lists in each module

  • Reduce text-heavy pages

  • Clarify the assignment submission process

  • Consider time requirements for those with full course loads

Design changes to address usability issues:

• Based on feedback, consider:

  • Streamlining to-do lists

  • Breaking up text-heavy pages with more visual elements

  • Improving assignment submission instructions

  • Adjusting course pacing or providing time management resources

  • Consider how the proposed changes would impact the intended audience (coworkers), who may have different needs or expectations than classmates

Improvement of course and learner experience:

• While the feedback from classmates is positive, it's crucial to consider how the course might need to be adapted for the intended audience

• The high ratings from peers suggest a solid foundation, but further refinement may be needed to meet the specific needs of coworkers

Impact on alignment of outcomes, activities, and assessment:

• The strong alignment noted by classmates is encouraging

• However, it's important to verify if these outcomes, activities, and assessments would be equally relevant and effective for the intended audience

Addressing infrastructure, system, and support needs:

• Consider how the transition from Canvas to the platform used by your coworkers might impact the course delivery

• Evaluate if the technical support and resources planned would be sufficient for users less familiar with online learning platforms

Additional considerations:

• The mismatch between intended and actual test participants underscores the importance of stakeholder buy-in and engagement

• This experience highlights the need for a strategy to better involve the target audience in future iterations of the course

• While the feedback from classmates is valuable, it's crucial to find ways to gather input from the intended audience before full implementation

• Consider conducting interviews or surveys with coworkers to understand their reservations and tailor the course to their needs and preferences