Dataset Information

Web usability testing with a Hispanic medically underserved population.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Skilled website developers value usability testing to assure user needs are met. When the target audience differs substantially from the developers, it becomes essential to tailor both design and evaluation methods. In this study, researchers carried out a multifaceted usability evaluation of a website (Healthy Texas) designed for Hispanic audiences with lower computer literacy and lower health literacy.

Methods

METHODS INCLUDED: (1) heuristic evaluation by a usability engineer, (2) remote end-user testing using WebEx software; and (3) face-to-face testing in a community center where use of the website was likely.

Results

Researchers found standard usability testing methods needed to be modified to provide interpreters, increased flexibility for time on task, presence of a trusted intermediary such as a librarian, and accommodation for family members who accompanied participants. Participants offered recommendations for website redesign, including simplified language, engaging and relevant graphics, culturally relevant examples, and clear navigation.

Conclusions

User-centered design is especially important when website developers are not representative of the target audience. Failure to conduct appropriate usability testing with a representative audience can substantially reduce use and value of the website. This thorough course of usability testing identified improvements that benefit all users but become crucial when trying to reach an underserved audience.

SUBMITTER: Moore M

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2670225 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Web usability testing with a Hispanic medically underserved population.

Moore Mary M Bias Randolph G RG Prentice Katherine K Fletcher Robin R Vaughn Terry T

Journal of the Medical Library Association : JMLA 20090401 2

<h4>Objectives</h4>Skilled website developers value usability testing to assure user needs are met. When the target audience differs substantially from the developers, it becomes essential to tailor both design and evaluation methods. In this study, researchers carried out a multifaceted usability evaluation of a website (Healthy Texas) designed for Hispanic audiences with lower computer literacy and lower health literacy.<h4>Methods</h4>METHODS INCLUDED: (1) heuristic evaluation by a usability ...[more]

PMID: 19404502

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Dataset Information

Web usability testing with a Hispanic medically underserved population.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Web usability testing with a Hispanic medically underserved population.

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