Anetta Hinchliffe1, W Kerry Mummery. 1. Faculty of Arts, Health and Sciences, Central Queensland University, Queensland. a.hinchliffe@cqu.edu.au
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED: Use of the Internet for health promotion is increasing; however, the lack of published research regarding website usability suggests that health promotion websites are being developed without consultation with their users or formal evaluation. This study conducted usability testing of an existing health promotion website to inform modifications and to identify common usability themes that should be addressed by organisations developing or maintaining a health promotion website. METHODS: A combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques were implemented during the usability testing sessions to gather data from users while completing tasks on the website. Techniques included performance measures (time taken), direct observation (participant observation) and subjective user preferences (questionnaire and interview). RESULTS: Improvements to the website were measured in terms of reduced problems reported, reduced time taken to complete tasks and increased subjective reports. Seven usability themes emerged from the data: design, feedback, format, instructions, navigation, terminology and learnability. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the application of usability testing to the design and modification of a health promotion website and illustrates the areas or themes that can be used as a framework for testing and modification.
ISSUE ADDRESSED: Use of the Internet for health promotion is increasing; however, the lack of published research regarding website usability suggests that health promotion websites are being developed without consultation with their users or formal evaluation. This study conducted usability testing of an existing health promotion website to inform modifications and to identify common usability themes that should be addressed by organisations developing or maintaining a health promotion website. METHODS: A combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques were implemented during the usability testing sessions to gather data from users while completing tasks on the website. Techniques included performance measures (time taken), direct observation (participant observation) and subjective user preferences (questionnaire and interview). RESULTS: Improvements to the website were measured in terms of reduced problems reported, reduced time taken to complete tasks and increased subjective reports. Seven usability themes emerged from the data: design, feedback, format, instructions, navigation, terminology and learnability. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the application of usability testing to the design and modification of a health promotion website and illustrates the areas or themes that can be used as a framework for testing and modification.
Authors: Randall Starling; Jessica A Nodulman; Alberta S Kong; Cosette M Wheeler; David B Buller; W Gill Woodall Journal: Online J Commun Media Technol Date: 2015-10
Authors: Jared Chiarchiaro; Natalie C Ernecoff; Praewpannarai Buddadhumaruk; Kimberly J Rak; Robert M Arnold; Douglas B White Journal: J Crit Care Date: 2015-09-03 Impact factor: 3.425
Authors: Amr Jamal; Shabana Tharkar; Hanan Alenazi; Bedoor Saud Julaidan; Dania Ali Al Hindawi; Norah Suleman AlAkeel; Ola Mohammed AlNuhayer; Raneem Hamoud AlDubaikhi Journal: JMIR Form Res Date: 2021-06-24
Authors: Gregory S Kolt; Richard R Rosenkranz; Trevor N Savage; Anthony J Maeder; Corneel Vandelanotte; Mitch J Duncan; Cristina M Caperchione; Rhys Tague; Cindy Hooker; W Kerry Mummery Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2013-05-03 Impact factor: 3.295