Date: 7/11/2019

To: USGS users

From: Group D

Subject: Step-by-step navigation within the USGS current conditions water-quality data

Distribution List: USGS

This report reviews the different steps our group took in order to further determine whether our
initial set of instructions for navigating the USGS current conditions water-quality data were
sufficient. They clearly were not sufficient, and our testers ran into similar problems when trying
to navigate the water-quality data. The original set of instructions glossed over critical terms that
needed further explanations. After asking numerous questions after the utility test about the set
of instructions, our group determined that there needed to be a revamp of the step-by-step
system.

TEST OBJECTIVES
When we enlisted our test users to navigate the USGS current conditions water-quality data to
see what worked and what didn’t, we hoped this would help our group determine where some
pitfalls would be within the steps. We hoped to gain some information on the functionality of the
water quality data tutorial. Additionally, we sought to ensure the hyperlinks were operational.
Furthermore, our group wanted to learn if the information listed within the USGS current
conditions water-quality data was too complex or troublesome. Our goal was to achieve some
clear and concise steps so that the user will be able to get to their desired destination. Lastly,
our goal was to formulate whether the information was organized in a well organic manner.

RESULTS
Areas of Strength:
The visual representations incorporated into the USGS current conditions water-quality data
were very beneficial to the user. The way the screenshots were placed close by to the certain
step it was pertaining to was very beneficial. Although the color scheme used in the USGS
current conditions water-quality data were very basic, that simplicity was useful in not
overwhelming the user and granting a sense of peace while reading the steps. What also
helped the user navigate the USGS current conditions water-quality data and sift through
important material was how certain words were bolded. That boldness help solidify keywords
that helped the user navigate between steps. Lastly, hyperlinks, even though they didn’t work,
the thought of incorporating them into the steps was a thought used to help benefit the user thus
was an area of strength. Even though it wasn’t fully implemented, it’s the thought that counts.
Areas for improvement:
Throughout the entire testing scenario there was a comical mist in the air. Our group knew that
step four, which was crucial to the user’s success, wasn’t working so anyone beginning this step
wouldn’t pass it. Since we were told not to help the users, we couldn’t inform them of the
inevitable failure. The layout of the instructions weren’t keen to the user’s eye either. The
sentences were single spaced and went across the entire computer screen making it feel even
more drawn out than it already was. Also, if the user was able to click a hyperlink to
https://water.usgs.gov/wsc/map_index.html, they would have had a better understanding of
what their desired location’s HUC (Hydrologic Unit Code) was, giving them a better chance at
completing the instructions. Continuing, another area that could have used improvement was
the “start here” located before step one. This could have been much bigger, bolder, and placed
under “Step 1” as a starting place.

QUESTIONNAIRE
These questions listed below were asked to our test users in order to determine the efficiency of
the website. We have three open ended and three close ended questions. The answers to these
questions helped us conclude what worked and what didn’t work for the USGS current
conditions water-quality data instruction set.

The questions asked of our test users were as follows:

Open ended questions:

1.) Do all the hyperlinks work? If not list one that doesn’t work, as there are quite a lot.
2.) Were the steps easy to follow or were you stuck and didn’t understand what to do?
3.) If you managed to finish all the steps, were you able to learn anything and find the
information on what you were looking for?

Close ended questions:

4.) Did you ever feel lost or hopeless?

5.) Was the information on the website neatly displayed?
6.) Was there anything that was misleading, vague, or confusing?

The answers were as follows:

1.) Four out of four users agreed that the initial link worked but not all of them worked.
2.) Three out of four users agreed that the steps were poorly laid out and made them
feel lost.
3.) Four out of four users were stuck on step four, with one user getting past step four
but with the wrong information.
4.) Four out of four users said no, yet couldn’t get past the step because they were lost.
5.) Four out of four users agreed that the pictures helped.
6.) Four out of four users agreed that the steps were very misleading.
One of the most important take-aways from this utility test was the need for active hyperlinks in
areas where they are needed to address information that is not included in the steps but would
be helpful with the understanding of them. In general, all of the users expressed their confusion
at some point which helped our group pinpoint the most important issues: the eye-tiring format
of the steps and dead hyperlinks.

RECOMMENDATIONS
The test users had helpful recommendations considering no user was able to accurately
complete the usability test and some that could not complete it at all.

The first recommendation was to add the water-quality data link into the most eye-
catching place on the web page, which was under “Step 1”. The link was overlooked
because it was not included as a step but instead was in a sentence at the top next to
“start here” written in small print.

Additionally, “Step 1” instructed to click the “Water-Quality” button and instead, due to
people accidentally ignoring the link, some users accidentally clicked on the wrong
water-quality link that is below the menu on the instruction web page.

Step one and step two were combined, in order to make the user do less work as
possible and in order to simplify the steps.

The next recommendation was to change the original pictures to a newer version of the
drop-down boxes since the users had difficulty following the older pictures because the
site was used on a mac computer.

Observation of the users during the utility test showed that there was difficulty in
locating the drop-down box at the top right-hand side of the water data. With that being
said, there should be a larger photo taken of the drop-down box and its surroundings,
and the data that the user should input should be in red.

Users also noticed faulty hyperlinks which would have provided useful information
including what a HUC (Hydrologic Unit Code) was. This ultimately led to the failure of
steps five and six, a correct link was added that used the USGS’s website.
Appendix A- Original Set of Instructions
Appendix B- Revised Set of Instructions

Accessing Current Conditions Water-Quality Data

Overview
There is plenty of accessible information on water quality data throughout the world and
can be specified by time, place and type. By accessing water data through the USGS
database there are specific steps that need to be taken. Following are instructions that
will help you navigate our website’s database on water-quality in specific locations.

Step 1: Area and Data Type

Click http://waterdata.usgs.gov. Look

to the blue row at the top of the page and
select Water Quality under Data
Category in the drop down menu and then
select your Geographic Area and click go.

Step 2: Data Time Set

Scroll down and click the blue button. This takes you to a new page
with a table of watersheds.

Step 3: Finding your Watershed

Group the table by County or Hydrological unit* (if you know the unit) and click go to
find your local watershed. Then, select your watershed by clicking the blue numbers on
the left side of your local unit.

**A hydrological unit is a sequence of numbers that identify a hydrological feature like a river, river reach,
lake, or area like a watershed. ➞ Click here to find your HUC**
Step 4: Additional information

For more information, look under Available Parameters select “all available
parameters for this site” and then click go.
 Script

Thank you for participating in this evaluation and providing feedback on the usability and ease
of this set of instructions. The following steps are given to help access the current conditions
water-quality data.

The purpose is to access the clarity of our instructions and to gain feedback and insight on how
to improve our design and provide an easier user experience. If the process is ever unclear or
difficult it is not your fault. If at any time you become frustrated and would like to step away from
this usability test, you’re more than welcome to quit.

Test Objectives

1. To gain information on functionality of the water quality data tutorial

2. To ensure hyperlinks are operational
3. To determine whether the information is too complex or simple
4. Clear and easy steps that bring the user to the desired data page
5. Evaluate whether the information is organized well

Outline

The following six steps should be able to find the chemical and physical data from large bodies
of water from stations across the United States.

Steps
1: Click On the blue Water Quality button.

2: Choose your state or territory under Geographic Area.

3: Click the Current Conditions button:

4: Group the Water-Quality table by Hydrologic Unit.

5: Now find your Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) or watershed name. Then click on
individual station number(s) in your HUC to get water-quality data for that station.

6: Find additional data if needed.

As you go through these instructions the purpose of this test determines whether the
instructions are easy to follow and understandable, and the end result is successful.Try to find
any errors and anything that is poorly explained or too complex to understand.
Questions

Open ended:
1. Do all of the hyperlinks work? If not list one that doesn’t work, as there are quite a lot.
2. Were the steps easy to follow or were you stuck and didn’t understand what to do?
3. If you managed to finish all the steps, were you able to learn anything and find the
information on what you were looking for?

Close ended:
4. Did you ever feel lost or helpless?
5. Was the information on the website neatly displayed?
6. Was anything misleading, vague or confusing?