Usability testing video assignment

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The websites the participants were looking at

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/default.mspx?wt_svl=20372a&mg_id=20372b This site looks flashy with animated screens and the like, but when it comes to the solid information, it is a little light. Usability wise, it looks easy to find what you’re looking for. See, Learn, Choose & Buy are in big letters on the icons. The only problem that I can see is that you might be unsure what section the information you are looking for, the sections might seem a little vague to some non-internet users.

http://www.winsupersite.com/faq/vista.asp This website has a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on Windows Vista. At first, the website looks a little busy, and the title ‘Windows Vista FAQ’ doesn’t really stand out from the blue menu bar at the top of the page. Also the questions are a pale colour too that doesn’t stand out much either. Plus the advertising in the middle of the text is very annoying.

http://windowsvistablog.com/ First impressions about this site is that is looks great, but it is a little confusing on where is the best place to click. Also the text colour seems to blend well with the background, but the most popular topics frame on the right looks too busy.

General questions asked when participants first visited the website
What do you think this website is about?
What stands out at you?
What would you click on first?
What about the appearance?
What do you like about this page?
Do you like the layout?

Now look at the site for a few minutes, and then I will ask you some questions about it.

Questions used in Introduction of subject
Have you used Microsoft Windows before? [If Yes,]
What do you know about the latest operating system from Microsoft?
[If Nothing,] Have you seen any advertising for Windows Vista in the media? (TV, Newspapers, etc.)
[If looking at the different versions of windows]
What version of windows vista would you choose to buy, and why?

Questions used for all three websites

If you were looking for the features of windows visa, where would you click?

Who do you think that this website is aimed at?

What do you think this website would be used for?

How do you think the website can be improved?