Usability Evaluation for websites and computer based instruction
The following is a guide for evaluating computer based instruction and websites. It can also be used for mobile and tablet based software. This will vary based on audience and objectives. Some criteria may or may not apply to all devices or instructional media types. This is a general evaluation and should be modified for every single project. Keep in mind I developed this with training/learning in mind.
| Criteria | Description | Scale | ||||
| N/A | Comments | |||||
| Content | ||||||
| Working memory/Cognitive load | Learners can hold 5-7 concepts in their working memory at one time. Does this content ask learners to work with more at one time (per screen/topic)? Thus screens should have limited text/bullet points. | |||||
| Multimedia principles | Images and text (or narration) that explain for one another are better for learning and communication then just one by itself | |||||
| No extra details – only what is required | Extra images, text, or colors distracts | |||||
| Highlight important information | Use of cues or color coding for important concepts | |||||
| Objectives are clear | What is the point? | |||||
| Content is inline with objectives | Does the site do what it says? | |||||
| Assessment is inline with content | Is there an assessment and does it asses each objective? | |||||
| Flow | Introduction, content, ending | |||||
| Learning strategies | Are learning strategies apparent and appropriate? | |||||
| Learners apply/problem solve | Are the learners actually learning more than factual information? | |||||
| Sources | To back up claims | |||||
| Assessment | ||||||
| Is there an assessment? | ||||||
| Assessment measures high level knowledge | Does the assessment measure more than factual information? | |||||
| Is there a satisfaction survey? | ||||||
| Style | ||||||
| Fitt’s law | Buttons should be big and close enough to prevent error | |||||
| Colors/fonts/layout | These should be standard throughout | |||||
| No busy screens/backgrounds/fonts | These distract learners | |||||
| Colors | Should NOT be more than 2-4 colors on screen | |||||
| fonts | Are fonts legible | |||||
| layout | Grid and organized | |||||
| Simple and natural dialogue | Speak the users’ language – informal is better than formal for learning | |||||
| User friendly layout | Are there directions on using the tutorial? | |||||
| Rule of thirds | Does the screen utilize them? | |||||
| Functionality | ||||||
| Provide feedback | Feedback for navigation | |||||
| Provide clearly marked exits | Get to home screen/Exit program | |||||
| Provide shortcuts | Breadcrumbs | |||||
| Reversal of actions | Can you go back? | |||||
| Errors | Deal with errors in positive and helpful manner | |||||
| Provide help and documentation | Help button/documentation | |||||
| Navigation | Menu, next, back, help buttons – easy to find | |||||
| Technical | ||||||
| Load time | Does it load in a few seconds? | |||||
| Develop for the output technology | Resolution – is the resolution look correct or pixelated?, colors look right on screen, golden ratio/rectangle (organization and layout look correct) | |||||
| Video | Does it play well/take a while to load? | |||||
| Audio | Sound/voices volume, background noise, easy to understand | |||||
| File formats | Are they compatible with all hardware | |||||
| 508 Compliance | Does it meet 508? i.e. alt tags | |||||
| SCORM Compliance | For an LMS | |||||