Research Reports

A Usability Evaluation of the Business and Industry Web Site

Erica Olmsted-Hawala, Jenna Beck, Elizabeth Murphy, and Kathleen Ashenfelter

 

ABSTRACT

In September and October 2008, the U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistical Research Division (SRD) conducted a one-click usability test to evaluate two different low-fidelity prototype designs of the Business and Industry Web site. The prototypes tested were one click in off of Census.gov and aimed to direct users into all Economic data that Census offers. The usability testing evaluated the success and satisfaction of 12 participants with two different electronic but static versions of the page. Usability testing revealed several usability problems, including a navigation system in the middle section of the page that did not work for users, an overwhelming amount of information and Census jargon that was confusing to users, and areas on the page which were overlooked by users including the search bar and the top navigation. Recommendations were provided to the sponsor. This report provides a complete summary of this usability evaluation, including methods, finding, and recommendations.

CITATION: Olmsted-Hawala, Erica, Jenna Beck, Elizabeth Murphy, and Kathleen Ashenfelter. (2009). A Usability Evaluation of the Business and Industry Web Site. Statistical Research Division Study Series (Survey Methodology #2009-15). U.S. Census Bureau. Available online at <http://www.census.gov/srd/papers/pdf/ssm2009-15.pdf>.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Statistical Research Division

Published online: October 28, 2009
Last revised: September 30, 2009