Aequum
Through user testing, our team examined, created a case study and suggested potential wire-frames that can enhance the experience of accessible navigation for all users on the company's website.
The goal to aim is to provide accessible designated waiting areas on public transit platforms usable at any time of day by the greatest number of people, to the largest extent possible, regardless of their age or ability.
Checked how the site does well in a heuristics evaluation. We looked for two different types of users. The first type of user we wanted was someone who was visually impaired and has an assist tool to help the user use the web. The second user shouldn't be visually impaired because the website targets businesses as well.
Eliminate user confusion and frustration. Changed the placements of certain buttons to ensure that the functionality and visual appeal of the website's interactivity were similar to other websites. This way, users will be able to easily know and pinpoint what features they would like to use.
Objective
In this project, I worked in a group of four to solve and test the usability of Aequum Global Access. Aequum Global Access is a business that is committed to helping other businesses achieve high levels of accessibility and inclusion. They achieve this through project and program management, organizational frameworks, strategic roadmaps, access to accessibility tools and resources, website usability, workplace accommodation, and inclusive employment resources.
We felt that checking the usability of Aequum Global Access is important because they advertise the importance of having your website be usable for the visually impaired.
Executing
Pre-evaluation
Before we started testing it was important for us to know how the site does well in a heuristics evaluation.
Overall we found 11 opportunities on the site, that we felt the users that we test would mention to us.
Participants Screening
Once we had the heuristics we looked for two different types of users. The first type of user we wanted was someone who was visually impaired and has an assist tool to help the user use the web. The second user shouldn't be visually impaired because Aequum targets businesses as well.
Both users should have their laptops or desktop and must use the internet for at least five hours a week.
Test Plan
Since we had two different types of groups testing the site, we had two different test plans.
The first test we had was focused on the user being visually impaired. There were five main tasks on the test.
1. Locate and use the "High Contrast Mode" and "Enlarge Text Mode"
2. Find more information about the Aequum company and discover who is in charge of the company
3. Find any form of contact information that would allow the user to talk to a physical presence
4. Find associates that work with Aequum and learn more about companies that provide aid for the visually impaired
5. Find a way to avoid having to scroll through the many pages on the website, and immediately narrow down the data to look at the information that is relevant for the user.
The second test is almost identical but for a general user. The test does not contain the use of the visual aid buttons and was replaced by finding specific information about the company and the founder.
Once the test is done, we gave the users a system usability scale test, where the users give us feedback on how they felt about the usability of the site.
The average score was 85.25%, and the highest score was 87.5%.
Positive Findings
We found out that both types of users liked the navigation bar and found the footer very useful. We also had the ones who were doing the second test find that the back-to-top button was very useful.
Negative Findings
The users found six opportunities on the site, four of them were found by us during the heuristics evaluation period.
Recommendations
We took all the negative findings, took what the users did not like about them and made wire-frames for the new look.
Search Results - Successful Results
The Problem
Users are unaware that there are any results.
The Solution
Change the layout of search results to a vertical layout rather than a column-based layout. It was redundant having two search bars next to each other. The statement at the top gives off the connotation that the results came up as false.
Search Results - Failed Results
The Problem
During the test, both users were unable to realize there were no results.
The Solution
Change contrast in the "Oops", make the font bigger and more pronounced, and remove the "Helpful Links" tab.
Logo and Company Name
The Problem
Users are unsure if the company is called Aequum Global Access or Aequum.
The Solution
To Change the quality of life on the home page we added the Aequum Global Access logo to the front page.
Contact Information
The Problem
Users felt that the message box is unreliable.
The Solution
Minor details found in the icons and information must be aligned. The message box is not necessary as you have already provided an email.
Visual Aid Button
The Problem
Users that need the high contrast mode and enlarged text area already have tools using them. If users had a magnifying tool, it is a little difficult to locate the buttons.
The Solution
Change the location of the visual aid buttons, and replace the random drop-down menu. Change location to header rather than the middle of the page.
