Project Plan
Write a recommendation report based on the results of the usability study in order to assist in creating a more effective and efficient Office of Sponsored Programs website and Limited Submission Program.Step One: Associate Research Deans, Committee, and IRB approve proposal
Step Two: Create Instruments for study
Step Three: Preparing to conduct usability study
- URGC reviewers who used Limited Submission Program
- Clemson faculty and staff
- Recruit through word of mouth, email invitation, and phone calls
- Digital video camera, tripod, blue tooth recorder, headphones
- Morae software
- Adobe Premire for creating highlight reels
Step Four: Conduct Usability Test
Step Five: Analyze data and create recommendation report
Methodology
In conducting a usability test of the Limited Submission Program, this will require the perspective of both the reviewers and authors. To collect this data, pre- and post- test interviews, direct observation, and a read-aloud protocol that is video recorded would be the best means of data collection.
A thorough usability test of the Limited Submission Program would include using those data collection methods listed above with the proposal authors and the reviewers. The pre- and post-interviews will yield perceptions, opinions and suggestions on behalf of the participants. This kind of information proves useful in making recommendations and changes to the writing and reviewing process completed internally at
To conduct the actual usability test, the software Morae would be used. An eye-tracking device that calculates, graphs, and codes usability measurements, this software automatically records the session and allows the researcher to code the information in real-time. The advantages of this software include that it is easy to use; it will give a true account of using an online program such as the Limited Submission Program; and problems and challenges that are encountered while using the Limited Submission Program will be captured, recorded, coded and compared to other users ‘experiences.
The purpose of this usability test is to improve the efficiency and ease of use of the Limited Submission Program. In doing so, it becomes more cost effective in regards to authors and reviewers time if they are able to maneuver through the process quickly.
October - defend
(Maybe too optimistic. It is kind of dependent if it even gets approved by Gallichio in the first place)
2 comments:
Katie,
Your project is one that is much needed at Clemson and the timing could not be better. Your project steps have substance and from reading your steps you have a clear plan. Your current situation is a rhetorically sound document. When doing your usability tests you may want to enlist some of the college grants coordinators suggestions of particpants. They will probably have several names of individuals with divers backgrounds that will be beneficial to your study.
A few things.
1) Your project sounds ambitious and extremely useful! I'm sure Dr. Howard will be able to give you some good pointers in structuring this study. We learned in his proposal writing seminar (and research seminar, too) that a recommendation report for future changes is often more useful than simply "doing a task." I'm also sure that this will be a tremendous feather in your cap when it comes time for a job hunt. Indeed, I'm sure you could use this study for future academic studies if you chose to do so,
2) At first I wanted to know more about the data crunching, but I'm sure you're just refining that right now. Also, how long do you think it will take to crunch the data? Do you think you'll be able to do it in a month? Don't hesitate to call on some other "MAPC eyes" if you need assistance! (I guess you would then have to train them, though, so that might not be a good idea).
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