Improving Information Accessibility: A Student-Led Usability Study at PSU
Category
Creative Works
Department
Graphic Communications
Student Status
Undergraduate
Research Advisor
Dr. Jason Reid
Document Type
Event
Location
Student Center Ballroom
Start Date
10-4-2025 2:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2025 4:00 PM
Description
A moderated usability study was conducted to identify and address potential usability problems on the Pittsburg State University Graphic Communications website. Participants were guided through a series of tasks designed to explore key elements, such as enrolling in a major, viewing program areas and student work, finding faculty information, and locating financial assistance. Throughout the testing sessions, participants were encouraged to "think out loud," allowing the researcher to capture immediate reactions, pain points, and navigation choices. The findings revealed insights into user expectations, the clarity of the site's primary functions, and potential barriers in the enrollment process. Common areas of confusion included discovering emphasis area details and scholarship information, as well as locating tuition costs and frequently asked questions about admission. Additionally, the testing highlighted the importance of well-structured navigation menus and clearly labeled links. Recommendations derived from the study focus on simplifying the user path to key information, enhancing the layout of content, and ensuring a consistent visual hierarchy. These insights aim to improve overall user experience, ensuring that prospective students, faculty, and community members can efficiently locate and engage with relevant content.
Improving Information Accessibility: A Student-Led Usability Study at PSU
Student Center Ballroom
A moderated usability study was conducted to identify and address potential usability problems on the Pittsburg State University Graphic Communications website. Participants were guided through a series of tasks designed to explore key elements, such as enrolling in a major, viewing program areas and student work, finding faculty information, and locating financial assistance. Throughout the testing sessions, participants were encouraged to "think out loud," allowing the researcher to capture immediate reactions, pain points, and navigation choices. The findings revealed insights into user expectations, the clarity of the site's primary functions, and potential barriers in the enrollment process. Common areas of confusion included discovering emphasis area details and scholarship information, as well as locating tuition costs and frequently asked questions about admission. Additionally, the testing highlighted the importance of well-structured navigation menus and clearly labeled links. Recommendations derived from the study focus on simplifying the user path to key information, enhancing the layout of content, and ensuring a consistent visual hierarchy. These insights aim to improve overall user experience, ensuring that prospective students, faculty, and community members can efficiently locate and engage with relevant content.
