Usability Report

Lightning Instructions Results

The following report is about the results from three usability tests. The tests were to determine
if the instructions clearly showed the user how to navigate and find the necessary information on
the designated website. Each participant filled out a questionnaire that aimed to help improve
the usability of the instructions.

Test Objectives
During the tests, there were three objectives to have been achieved.
1. To discover any unclear or useless parts of the instructions
2. To determine if any visuals aids are needed
3. To decide if the format of the instructions is clear and easy to read

Results
Strengths
According to the data collected from the usability tests, the users had no problem navigating the
website and finding the right type of lightning safety tips. The instructions were clear and
straightforward as stated by two of the users.
Improvements
Some improvements to the instructions were needed. As pointed out by the first user, some of
the steps in the instructions were not worded correctly or misspelled. All three users indicated
that a few steps were not needed to complete the tasks, therefore some of the beginning steps
were removed. According to two of the three user’s visual aids would improve the set of
instructions.
Questionnaire
The three users at the end of their test were asked to answer some questions about the usability
of the instructions. There were three closed ended questions and two opened ended questions.
Each user was prompted to answer each question to best of their ability. The first question asked
the users if they thought visual aids would be beneficial to instructions. Two of the three users
believed that visual aids would be useful with the instructions. The second question asked the
users if the instructions were too simplistic. All three users answered “No” and believed the
instructions were good. Question number three asked if the instructions were easy to read; all
three users agreed that instructions were clear and easy to follow. The forth question, and first
open-ended question asked users to list any steps they would remove. Two of the users said the
first two steps were not necessary. The final question asked for the users what they would
change about the instructions. One user suggested adding images while other two suggested
fixing typos and removing a step towards the end.

Recommendations
Overall the results from the three usability tests proved the instructions were clear and easy to
understand. However, visual aids would help those that are visual learners so screen shots from
the website will be added to instructions. Cleaning up the grammar and rewording some steps
will also be implemented to help improve the readability of the instructions. Formatting of the
instructions will stay the same as it was not an issue with any of the users.
Appendix
Instructions; mock draft

Lightning Safety Instructions

The following instructions will help guide you through a website to find vital information on how to stay
safe when a lightning storm occurs. You will be directed to a website on a browser of your choice. Once
on the website follow the instructions to find the necessary information on lightning safety.

Getting to the Website

1. Once computer is on, open your preferred browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.)
2. In the URL copy and paste or type the following website address:
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov
Finding Lightning Safety Information

1. Tabs atop of the page dictate what information you are access at the time
2. You should currently be on the “What’s New” tab
3. For lightning Safety single click on the “Lightning Safety” tab
4. Links under the picture will direct you to certain kinds of Lightning safety
5. Depending on your situation choice the type of lightning safety you would like to learn about (e.g.
if you are in door when lightning occurs, select the “Lightning Safety Indoors”)
6. When you select a link and read the document, to get back to the list of options simply click the
back arrow located in the top right of the browser window.
Other Information

1. For information on the science of lightning select the “Lightning Science” tab
a. For the sake of this test Do Not click on “The Dr. Lightning Show: Science” link
2. For real life stories and statistics on being struck, click the “Victims/Medical” tab
3. To view the frequently asked questions click on the “Frequently Asked Questions”
a. Here selects a link to learn the answers to the questions asked
4. Once finished exploring the website for lightning safety and facts you may close your browser and
proceed with your life.
Instructions; Final Draft

Lightning Safety Instructions

The following instructions will help guide you through a website to find vital information on how to stay
safe when a lightning storm occurs. You will be directed to a website on a browser of your choice. Once
on the website follow the instructions to find the necessary information on lightning safety.

Getting to the Website

1. Once the computer is on, open your preferred browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.)
2. Copy and paste or type the following website address into the URL:
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov
Finding Lightning Safety Information

1. View tabs atop of the page, these dictate what information you are accessing at the time
2. Make sure you are currently on the “What’s New” tab

3. Click on the Lightning Safety tab for Lightning Safety

4. View the links under the picture that will direct you to certain kinds of Lightning safety

5. Choice the type of lightning safety you would like to learn about (e.g. if you are indoors when
lightning occurs, select the “Lightning Safety Indoors”)
6. Return to the main page when you have finished reading the document. To return click the back
arrow in the top left corner of the browser
Additional Statistics on Lightning

1. Select the Lightning Science tab for information on the science of lightning
a. For the sake of this test Do Not click on The Dr. Lightning Show: Science link

2. Click the Victims/Medical tab for real life stories and statistics on being struck
3. Click on the Frequently Asked Questions to view the frequently asked questions
a. Here selects a link to learn the answers to the questions asked
4. Close your browser. This is the end of the test

END OF TEST