Evaluating Homepage Prototypes for the Canada Site
Business Issue
The Canada Site (www.canada.gc.ca)
is the main gateway to all information related to the Government
of Canada, including programs, services, new initiatives and information
products. In 2000, the Canada Site underwent a re-design to reflect
the changing needs of Canadians and to facilitate access to information
about the Government of Canada. Public Works and Government Services
Canada, responsible for the Canada site sought to assess usability
of their site and determine preferences among four proposed new
designs for the splash and homepage.
Phase 5's Approach
The approach selected for this research had to allow for the assessment
of the site's usability with a range of current and potential users
(novice/experienced, light/medium/heavy internet users, rural/urban,
French/English).
The research also sought to simulate a real-time user experience
and allow researchers to view users interacting with the interface,
navigating through the site in search of specific information. Finally,
we needed to obtain feedback on various design and layout options.
To address these research objectives we opted for a qualitative
approach including both observational interviews and focus groups
with current and potential site users. In-depth interviews were
employed to test the site's usability through observation of participants
as they completed a range of information retrieval exercises. We
also obtain detailed feedback on site content, information architecture,
features and functionality, layout and presentation.
Through focus group discussions we assessed user's overall impressions
of site offerings and explored possible solutions to potential usability
issues identified through the one-on-one discussions. Both interviews
and groups were also used to assess splash and homepage design preferences.
Results
We helped PWGSC gain a better understanding of users' typical information
retrieval strategies, which had significant implications for homepage
design. We also developed graphical design guidelines to be used
in creation of future splash and homepage concept. The research
furthermore identified significant taxonomy issues, which resulted
in the re-labeling of several links on the homepage. Finally, preferences
regarding site features and navigation aids directed decisions related
to drop-down menus as well as the use of icons and mouse-over features.
Going Forward
We continue to build on a wealth of knowledge and experience. Phase
5 has been fortunate to conduct several web evaluation projects
on various components of the Canada Site and for numerous other
federal government departments, including DFAIT, Department of Justice,
HRDC, Industry Canada and the Solicitor General. Through these studies
we've gained invaluable insight into users' typical search behaviour
and overall content, feature, functionality and layout preferences.
Phase 5's expertise was recently employed by PWGSC to conduct user
satisfaction research on the Canada Site and develop an evaluation
framework for the site, which will be used to direct ongoing performance
tracking activities.
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