A Usability Evaluation of Iteration 1 of the New American FactFinder Web Site: Conceptual Design
Jennifer Romano, Erica Olmsted-Hawala, and Elizabeth Murphy
ABSTRACT
In October 2008, the U.S. Census Bureau's Statistical Research Division (SRD) conducted usability testing to evaluate the conceptual design of the newly designed American FactFinder (AFF) Web site. AFF is the Census Bureau's primary tool for disseminating data about the U. S. population and economy. The usability testing evaluated the success and satisfaction of seven externally recruited participants with a paper prototype of the conceptual design. Usability testing revealed several usability problems, including lack of direct guidance for the users, an overwhelming amount of information and Census jargon that was confusing to users, and confusing action icons on the site. Recommendations were provided to the sponsor and team responses were received. This report provides a complete summary of this usability evaluation, including methods, findings, recommendations and team decisions based on our recommendations.
CITATION: Romano, Jennifer, Olmsted-Hawala, Erica, and Murphy, Elizabeth. (2009). A Usability Evaluation of Iteration 1 of the New American FactFinder Web Site: Conceptual Design. Statistical Research Division Study Series (Survey Methodology #2009-05). U.S. Census Bureau. Available online at <http://www.census.gov/srd/papers/pdf/ssm2009-05.pdf>.
