Heuristic Evaluation & Recommedations
The following report provides a plan to test and improve the usability of the website www.dreamhost.com. The initial evaluation was performed using a heuristic evaluation as a usability inspection method. This method involves the evaluator comparing a set of pre-defined usability principles to an existing website while attempting to complete a task. The task chosen for this report was for a new user to upload a website to the host (dreamhost.com) for the first time.
For the evaluation, ten heuristics were used, while focusing on what is a primary task for any web hosting service: uploading a website. The goal of this project was to identify any major usability flaws in the current design of the website. The heuristics that were used are as follows:
1. Provide feedback
2. Use simple and natural language
3. Provide clearly marked exits
4. Be consistent
5. Error prevention
6. Recognition not recall
7. Reduce uncertainty
8. Use aesthetic and minimalist design
9. Deal with errors simply
10. Provide help
The primary usability problems found from this evaluation can be grouped into five main
categories. They are as follows:
1. The terminology is too ‘system oriented’ and lacks familiarity to the user.
2. The hierarchy of information is not organized properly to highlight priority tasks.
3. The design is not aesthetic, lacks minimalism, and contains unnecessary information.
4. The system does not provide clear and easy access to help with documentation.
5. The site does not provide proper cues and feedback to the user.
To further improve the usability of the site, I would recommend the use of various usability
testing methodolgies. These include:
– User Interviews and Observations – For task analysis and prioritization
– Closed Card Sorting – For correcting the information architecture
– Remote testing (Assessment Test) – To identify other usability problems throughout the site
– Remote testing (Comparative Test) – To compare new interface styles and color schemes
– Remote testing (Verification Test) – To confirm that problems have been remedied and that new problems have not been created.
You can download the full report HERE: Usability Study – Ryan Basel (2)
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