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Microsoft Word and Google Docs

Usability Test

University of Idaho
ENGL 317
Tristan Denning
19 July, 2020
1

Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................1
Methodology...............................................................................................................................................1
Tasks........................................................................................................................................................1
Test Environment....................................................................................................................................2
Evaluative Criteria/Rating Scale...............................................................................................................2
Results.........................................................................................................................................................2
Task 1: Voice to text................................................................................................................................2
Task 2: Creating a Header/footer............................................................................................................4
Task 3: Search for Specific Words or Phrases..........................................................................................6
Task 4: Insert a Special Character............................................................................................................8
Task 5: Insert Equations...........................................................................................................................9
Task 6: Spelling/Grammar Check...........................................................................................................11
Task 7: Create a Graph or Chart.............................................................................................................13
Task 8: Insert/Manipulate an Image......................................................................................................15
Task 9: Translate Text into a Different Language...................................................................................16
Task 10: Paragraph Indent and Line Spacing.........................................................................................18
Final Score.................................................................................................................................................20
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................20
Bibliography...............................................................................................................................................20
Appendix...................................................................................................................................................21
2

Introduction

Google Docs and Microsoft Word are both popular word processing applications for users with a
variety of writing experience. This white paper presents the results of a cognitive walkthrough
usability test which utilized the five component standards of usability: effectiveness, efficiency,
engagement, error tolerance, and learnability.

Methodology

Tasks
The average user of either word processing medium is likely to assume or experience any of the
following tasks:
Task 1: Voice to text
Task 2: Create a header/footer
Task 3: Search for specific words or phrases
Task 4: Insert a special Character
Task 5: Insert equations
Task 6: Spelling/grammar check
Task 7: Create a graph or chart
Task 8: Insert/manipulate an image
Task 9: Translate text into a different language
Task 10: Paragraph indent and line spacing

Test Environment
The entirety of this usability test took place on a intel-based desktop PC running the Windows 10
Operating System. For the purposes of this test I used the most popular versions of google docs
and Microsoft word. I used the Microsoft Word 64-bit program version as well as the standard
online version of Google Docs.

Evaluative Criteria/Rating Scale


Each task received a score on a Likert scale for how well it fit each of the five standard
components of usability.
Effectiveness: The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user desired.
3

Efficiency: The task was fully completed in a timely manner.


Engaging: The program’s design and appearance is conducive to the user’s experience.
Error Tolerance: The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy mitigation
of errors.
Easy to Learn: The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge of the
software. Actions within the program are for the most part intuitive.
This format of the Likert scale below will be utilized for grading all tasks.
Strongly Disagree Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Agree
Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 5

Each task’s score for each component of usability will be tallied up and shown in a bar graph.
Once all tasks have been graded, the overall score for each one will be compared in the
conclusion.

Results

Task 1: Voice to text

Microsoft Word had a layout which made voice to text as simple as possible. Under the default
home tab, there is a large microphone icon on the far right that says, “dictate”. (Figure 1) Once
pressed, the default microphone starts recording everything that is said, and the words are
written quickly on the document. I annunciated clearly the phrase: “Good evening sir, I, MIDN
Denning report the Naval spaces all secure. There are 0-unit staff, 0 battalion staff, 0 battalion
members and 0 civilian guests on deck. All conditions normal”. Microsoft word transcribed the
phrase with only one mistake.
4

Figure 1 Microsoft Word "Dictate" Tool

Google Docs did not have a readily apparent dictate or voice to text option. It took me a few
minutes to find the tool in the tool menu. (Figure 2) When I spoke the same phrase to Google
Docs with the same microphone and same environment, I received 4 major errors which I
highlighted in red. (Figure 2) Overall, using voice to text with Google Docs actually wasted more
of my time than if I had chosen to type the same phrase. Google Docs’ voice to text accuracy
cannot be relied on for transcription.

Figure 2"Voice Typing" Placement and 4 major errors


5

Conclusion. While neither product gave me


Task 1 Likert Results the result I desired from voice to text,
6
Microsoft Word was more accurate and
5
resulted in fewer and less hindering errors.
4
Microsoft Word’s layout allowed for me to
3
easily figure out what tool to click for voice to
2
text, whereas in Docs I had to search for it in
1
the toolbar.
0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to
Tolerance Learn

Mocrosoft Word Google Docs

Figure 3 Task 1 Scoring

Task 2: Creating a Header/footer

Microsoft Word performed this task flawlessly and exactly as a beginning user might anticipate. The
user is simply able to double click either the top or bottom of the page, and a header/footer GUI will pop
up as well as a toolbar of options at the top of the screen. (Figure 4)

Figure 4 Microsoft Word Header/Footer GUI


6

Note. In this task I began to notice the trend that Microsoft Word seemed to be more aware of what the
user was doing for each task. Whenever the user clicks or highlights something, a whole array of options
appears at the top of the screen. Each setting is neatly labelled, and any average user will most likely
intuitively figure out what settings they want.

Google Docs, while successfully completing the task, did not offer as many readily available options as
Microsoft word. Additionally, unlike Word, I could not double click the top or bottom of the page to
open the Header/Footer GUI. (Figure 5) I also could not manipulate both a header and footer
simultaneously. This lost Google some points in all categories other than error tolerance which was
unrelated for this test.

Figure 5: Google Docs Minimal Header/Footer Options

Conclusion. Overall, Microsoft Word was easier to


Task 2 Likert Results learn and completed the task more fully and
6 efficiently. I was able to create a header and footer
5 in less than 30 seconds as well as browse the
4 multitude of neatly organized settings that popped
3 up when prompted. Google Docs is unable to
2 manipulate both a header and footer
1 simultaneously or as quickly as Microsoft Word.
0 For this category, Word would likely be more
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to
Tolerance Learn preferable to the average user.

Mocrosoft Word Google Docs

Task 3: Search for Specific Words or Phrases

Microsoft Word and Google Docs performed almost identically in this task. I copied a paragraph about
birds from Wikipedia, then used each product to search for the word “bird” in their respective
document. (Figures 6 and 7) For both products, typing Ctrl + f initiates a find prompt in which the user
can type in any word or phrase they desire to search for in the document. Both products found the word
“bird” 21 times in the document, and they did it in roughly the same time.
7

Figure 6: Microsoft Word Find Tool

Figure 7: Google Docs Find Tool


8

Conclusion. Both products completed the task


Task 3 Likert Results very similarly and sufficiently with respect to the
6 five standard components of usability. Therefore,
5 neither product lost points for this task.
4
3
2
1
0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to
Tolerance Learn

Mocrosoft Word Google Docs

Task 4: Insert a Special Character

Microsoft Word and Google Docs were both able to complete the task successfully. Both products
allowed the hundreds of options of special characters to insert. The only difference between the two
products was that Google Docs had a search box for keywords for special characters. (Figure 8) This
allowed me to quickly find any imaginable special character with ease. Microsoft word did not have this
option (Figure 9) and it took me longer to find desired special characters.

Figure 8: Google Docs Search for Special Characters


9

Figure 9: Microsoft Word Manual Search for Special Characters.

Conclusion. While both products performed nearly


Task 4 Likert Results identically and sufficiently again, Microsoft word
6 lost some points for efficiency. In Microsoft Word,
5 the user must scroll through the hundreds of
4 characters, or select from suggested characters.
3 Google Docs’ method of searching for keywords is
2 preferable for efficiency in this task.
1
0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to
Tolerance Learn

Mocrosoft Word Google Docs

Task 5: Insert Equations

Microsoft Word had many preset equations that could very easily be inserted into the document. They
could then be manipulated as if they were normal text. Subscripts and superscripts could be added to
equation components with ease. The process was intuitive and easy to figure out. (Figure 10) I was also
able to create the equation below in a very short amount of time.

Figure 10: Microsoft Word's Many Equation Presets


10

Google Docs did not have any preset equations that a user may desire.. For this task I chose one of the
preset equations with a Riemann sum on Microsoft Word and tried to replicate it on Google Docs.
Google Docs also did not allow me to create subscripts or superscripts for the some of the equation’s
components like the Riemann sum, so I was unable to complete the task. (Figure 11)

Figure 11: Google Docs' Limited Equation Editor

Conclusion. As Google Docs was unable to


Task 5 Likert Results produce the same complex equation I created in
6 Word, it lost points in four of the five categories. It
5 did not lose points in the Engagement category
4 because while failing the task, the visual appeal
3 and simplicity of Google Docs was still sufficient to
2 receive full points.
1
0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to
Tolerance Learn

Mocrosoft Word Google Docs

Task 6: Spelling/Grammar Check

Microsoft Word performed mediocrely in this task. I took a sample paragraph and forged 13
grammar/spelling errors. Word’s automatic spell/grammar checker was only able to find 8 of the 13
errors. (Figure 12) I was easily able to fix all errors by right clicking and selecting the first suggested edit.
Upon correcting the word “delited”, which was meant to be “Delighted”, Word suggested deleted,
suggesting a poor word context algorithm.
11

Figure 12: Microsoft Word Sub-Par Grammar/Spelling Check

Google Docs performed excellently in this task. For the same paragraph, Google found 11 of the 13
errors, and corrected all of them to their intended syntax/spelling. Even though the word “Delited” is
closer to the word “deleted” than it is to “Delighted”, Google’s word context algorithm was smart
enough to think that the writer meant to say “Delighted” and suggested it accordingly.
12

Figure 13: Google's Accurate Spell/Grammar Check


Task 6 Likert Results
6 Conclusion. While neither product was able to pick
5 up every error, Google Docs did a much better job
4 finding and correcting the errors planted in the
3 test paragraph.
2
1
0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to
Tolerance Learn

Mocrosoft Word Google Docs


13

Task 7: Create a Graph or Chart

Microsoft Word can render 18 different types of charts with a multitude of formatting options for each
one. It was easy for me to figure out how to insert a chart by pressing the insert tab, then clicking chart.
Once the chart is inserted the user may right click and select from the 18 charts and manipulate the data
as they please. Word even has options for changing how the chart looks visually. (Figure 14)

Figure 14: Word's multiple Chart and Visual Options

Google Docs, while possessing less options for


charts, was a lot simpler to use. With only 4
options to choose from, the user will not be
overloaded with information or options that
are not needed. (figure 15) Manipulating
datapoints within each graph was by far easier
than Microsoft word.
14

Conclusion: Microsoft Word lost points for


Task 7 Likert Results Engagement and Easiness to learn because it had
6 so many options that a user may feel overloaded
5 or confused. Google Docs lost points in
4 Effectiveness because of its overall lack of choices.
3 Neither product seemed to have an appropriate
2 balance of options vs simplicity.
1
0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to
Tolerance Learn

Mocrosoft Word Google Docs

Task 8: Insert/Manipulate an Image

Microsoft Word and Google Docs performed this task identically and excellently in this task. I was able
to insert the dog image by means of drag and drop, manual insertion, and copy/paste by using each
product. (Figures 16 and 17) The steps for each method of inserting were identical for each product, and
were easy to learn. For the second part of this task I cropped the image. The process of cropping an
image in both products is identical and provided identical results.
15

Task 8 Likert Results


6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to
Tolerance Learn

Mocrosoft Word Google Docs

Figure 16: Google Docs Image Insert and Cropping Figure 17: Microsoft Word Image Insert and Cropping

Conclusion. Both products performed this task identically and sufficiently for all 5 of the standard
components of usability. No points were deducted for any category.
16

Task 9: Translate Text into a Different Language

Microsoft Word Failed to translate an English paragraph to Bosnian and back to English coherently. The
final paragraph contained many syntax errors and retained little of its original meaning. (Figure 18)
Additionally, once translated from English to Bosnian, Word thought that the different language was
now Serbian when I plugged it back into the translator to translate back to English. (Figure 19) These are
major flaws with the Translation tool in Microsoft Word.

Figure 18: Microsoft Word Translate - Words Lost in Translation Highlighted


17

Figure 19: Microsoft Word is Confused by its own Bosnian Translation

Google Docs nearly perfectly translated the same paragraph to Bosnian then back to English. The only
error was that Google changed some of the resulting words. These new words or phrases still made
sense and the paragraph retained the same original information. (Figure 20)

Figure 20: Google Translate Retains Meaning


18

Conclusion. Microsoft word scored low in


Task 9 Likert Results effectiveness and error tolerance for this task. It
6 was unable to translate the paragraph as
5 effectively as the average user may desire. While
4 google docs changed some of the words and
3 phrases, the overall meaning of the paragraph was
2 retained. Each product was equally engaging and
1 easy to learn.
0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to
Tolerance Learn

Mocrosoft Word Google Docs

Task 10: Paragraph Indent and Line Spacing

Microsoft Word was able to easily manipulate a paragraph’s indent and line spacing. Upon right clicking
any selection of text and selecting paragraph, the user is provided a box of multiple intuitive options for
manipulating what they desire. (Figure 21) Plenty of options were displayed without being too
overwhelming.

Figure 21: Microsoft Word Paragraph Formatting Menu

Google Docs, while successfully performing the task, did not possess as many options for the user. It was
also harder to find the settings I desired to manipulate such as line spacing and indent. The settings were
only shown with icons that could be misleading. (Figure 22)
19

Figure 22: Google Docs' few Options for Paragraph Editing

Conclusion. In the end, both Word and Docs


Task 10 Likert Results performed the task effectively with sufficient error
6 tolerance. However, Google’s simplistic paradigm
5 lost it some points, as the simplicity ended up
4 making this task more confusing and less efficient.
3 This is reflected in their score.
2
1
0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to
Tolerance Learn

Mocrosoft Word Google Docs


20

Final Score

Each Usability Component Score


Final Score
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to
Tolerance Learn

Mocrosoft Word Google Docs

Figure 23: Final Score for each Usability Standard

Total Score for Each Product

Microsoft Word Google Docs


233 209

Conclusion

In each test there existed a trend in the relationship between Google Docs and Microsoft Word.
Microsoft Word provided a multitude of options and settings for each task. Google Docs offered much
less options and settings but could perform the same basic tasks nearly as effectively. When thinking
about the design of each product this makes sense. For example, Microsoft word is meant to be a
professional word processing application that must be downloaded and installed to a PC. Google Docs is
a much more versatile program that can run on multiple platforms or interfaces and must be simpler to
do so. That being said, it would seem like Google Docs should have scored higher in the Easy to learn
component. I believe the reason it did not score that high was primarily because the program is too
simple for a person with my background. For example, Google Docs has multiple settings at the top of
the screen, but they are largely titled by icons. In a word processing application, I am looking for words
and labels, not pictures or symbols that I have to interpret. Microsoft word has many more top-bar
options, and nearly every one is labelled or is very self-explanatory.

Bibliography
21

Welcome to Office. (n.d.). Retrieved July 19, 2020, from https://www.office.com/

(n.d.). Retrieved July 19, 2020, from https://docs.google.com/


Appendix
Tasks Microsoft Word Google Docs
Task 1 Voice to text Voice to text
Efficient The task was fully completed in a timely manner. The task was fully completed in a timely manner.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Effective The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user
desired. desired.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Engaging The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the
user’s experience. user’s experience.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Error The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy
Tolerant mitigation of errors. mitigation of errors.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Easy to Learn The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge
of the software. Actions within the program were for the most of the software. Actions within the program were for the most
part intuitive. part intuitive.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1

Additional Transcribed my voice as “ Good evening Sir I midshipman Denning Transcribed my voice as “Good evening sir I mentioned any reports
Notes report the naval spaces all secure There are zero unit staff zero enable spaces all secure there are zero unit staff zero Battalion staff
battalion staff zero battalion members zero swimming guests on zero Battalion members and Syria civilian guests on Deck all
deck All conditions normal.” With one error. Little to no error. conditions normal” with five major errors. Much error.

Tasks Microsoft Word Google Docs


Task 2 Create a header/footer Create a header/footer
Efficient The task was fully completed in a timely manner. The task was fully completed in a timely manner.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Effective The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user
desired. desired.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Engaging The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the
user’s experience. user’s experience.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Error The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy
Tolerant mitigation of errors. mitigation of errors.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Easy to Learn The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge
of the software. Actions within the program were for the most of the software. Actions within the program were for the most
part intuitive. part intuitive.
2

Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Additional Double clicking at the top or bottom of the page opened the No double click method. I had to go to insert>header
Notes header/footer prompt and all associated settings opened at the Or insert footer. Could not do both at once and help options
top of the page. were limited.

Tasks Microsoft Word Google Docs


Task 3 Search for specific words or phrases Search for specific words or phrases
Efficient The task was fully completed in a timely manner. The task was fully completed in a timely manner.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Effective The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user
desired. desired.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Engaging The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the
user’s experience. user’s experience.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Error The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy
Tolerant mitigation of errors. mitigation of errors.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
3

Easy to Learn The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge
of the software. Actions within the program were for the most of the software. Actions within the program were for the most
part intuitive. part intuitive.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Additional For both docs and word, the user is able to type ctrl + f to Google docs and Word worked identically for this test,
Notes open the “find” prompt. From here both mediums worked however google docs’s more simplistic design allowed for a
identically. As usual, word incorporates much more better visual appeal, which may lead to less confusion when
customizability and settings to this task. This may be using the tool for more basic purposes.
preferable in some instances, and less preferable in others.
The incorporation of additional settings does not interfere with
the components of usability.

Tasks Microsoft Word Google Docs


Task 4 Insert a special Character Insert a special Character
Efficient The task was fully completed in a timely manner. The task was fully completed in a timely manner.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Effective The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user
desired. desired.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Engaging The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the
user’s experience. user’s experience.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
4

Error The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy
Tolerant mitigation of errors. mitigation of errors.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Easy to Learn The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge
of the software. Actions within the program were for the most of the software. Actions within the program were for the most
part intuitive. part intuitive.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Additional On both docs and word I had to select insert and then special Google Docs wins efficiency because of its option for the user
Notes character or symbol. I was able to perform each task in the to search for characters using keywords.
same amount of time with ease.

Tasks Microsoft Word Google Docs


Task 5 Insert equations Insert equations
Efficient The task was fully completed in a timely manner. The task was fully completed in a timely manner.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Effective The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user
desired. desired.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Engaging The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the
5

user’s experience. user’s experience.


Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Error The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy
Tolerant mitigation of errors. mitigation of errors.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Easy to Learn The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge
of the software. Actions within the program were for the most of the software. Actions within the program were for the most
part intuitive. part intuitive.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Additional Microsoft Word had many preset equations that could very Docs has no presets, and I was not able to recreate the same
Notes easily be inserted into the document. They could then be equation that I had made in word simply because a lack of
manipulated as if they were normal text. The process was options in the interface. The process was not intuitive and I
intuitive and easy to figure out. was unable to replicate the task on Google Docs.

Tasks Microsoft Word Google Docs


Task 6 Spelling/grammar check Spelling/grammar check
Efficient The task was fully completed in a timely manner. The task was fully completed in a timely manner.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Effective The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user
6

desired. desired.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Engaging The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the
user’s experience. user’s experience.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Error The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy
Tolerant mitigation of errors. mitigation of errors.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Easy to Learn The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge
of the software. Actions within the program were for the most of the software. Actions within the program were for the most
part intuitive. part intuitive.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Additional Microsoft word only found 8 of the 13 errors. I was easily Docs only found 11 of the 13 errors. Docs correctly fixed all
Notes able to fix all errors with the suggested correction tool by right 11 of its found errors.
clicking the underlined words. However, it gave me unwanted
correction for “delited”. The word is supposed to be delighted
and Word suggested deleted. Though more different from the
misspelled word, google correctly predicted delighted as the
correct word. Perhaps a smarter correction algorithm exists in
google.

Tasks Microsoft Word Google Docs


Task 7 Create a graph or chart Create a graph or chart
Efficient The task was fully completed in a timely manner. The task was fully completed in a timely manner.
7

Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Effective The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user
desired. desired.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Engaging The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the
user’s experience. user’s experience.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Error The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy
Tolerant mitigation of errors. mitigation of errors.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Easy to Learn The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge
of the software. Actions within the program were for the most of the software. Actions within the program were for the most
part intuitive. part intuitive.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Additional I initially believed that Microsoft word could only insert one Google docs, While having less options, was a lot simpler to
Notes type of chart, but when I right clicked on the chart it gave me use. Manipulating datapoints within each graph was by far
a whole list of many different charts. When trying to work easier than Microsoft word.
quickly this could result in decreased efficiency from
information overload, whereas google docs’ 4 graph options
keep it simple. It could be argued that for the purpose of a
word processing software, having a simpler graph interface is
preferable
8

Tasks Microsoft Word Google Docs


Task 8 Insert/manipulate an image Insert/manipulate an image
Efficient The task was fully completed in a timely manner. The task was fully completed in a timely manner.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Effective The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user
desired. desired.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Engaging The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the
user’s experience. user’s experience.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Error The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy
Tolerant mitigation of errors. mitigation of errors.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Easy to Learn The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge
of the software. Actions within the program were for the most of the software. Actions within the program were for the most
part intuitive. part intuitive.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Additional Both software performed identically and excellently in this


Notes task. I was able to Insert the dog image by means of drag and
drop, manual insertion, and copy paste in each one. The steps
for each method of inserting were identical and easy to figure
out. Both word and docs made it very easy and evident how to
9

crop the image. I was able to crop the image in almost the
exact same way on both word and docs.

Tasks Microsoft Word Google Docs


Task 9 Translate text into a different language Translate text into a different language
Efficient The task was fully completed in a timely manner. The task was fully completed in a timely manner.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Effective The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user
desired. desired.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Engaging The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the
user’s experience. user’s experience.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Error The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy
Tolerant mitigation of errors. mitigation of errors.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Easy to Learn The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge
of the software. Actions within the program were for the most of the software. Actions within the program were for the most
part intuitive. part intuitive.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Additional When translated to Bosnian and back to English, the When translated to Bosnian and back to English, the google
10

Notes Microsoft word document contained many syntax and word doc had no word errors. Many of the sentences had been
errors that were detrimental to the paragraph’s meaning. restructured, but the paragraph retained meaning and still
When I highlighted the Bosnian paragraph, Microsoft word contained the same information.
detected it as Serbian instead of Bosnian, even though it told
me that same text was Bosnian before.

Tasks Microsoft Word Google Docs


Task 10 Paragraph indent and Line Spacing Paragraph indent and structure formatting
Efficient The task was fully completed in a timely manner. The task was fully completed in a timely manner.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Effective The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user The task was completed as accurately and properly as the user
desired. desired.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Engaging The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the The program’s design and appearance are conducive to the
user’s experience. user’s experience.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Error The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy The program provides feedback for error and allows for easy
Tolerant mitigation of errors. mitigation of errors.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Easy to Learn The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge The steps to complete the task required little prior knowledge
of the software. Actions within the program were for the most of the software. Actions within the program were for the most
part intuitive. part intuitive.
11

Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

Additional Custom spacing and indent were easily accomplished by right Google Docs’ simplistic format is appealing to the eye, but is
Notes clicking and selecting paragraph. All options were displayed harder to find how to do things compared to word. Word lays
in a neat menu with plenty of options without being too every optioin and setting out in front of you when you click on
overwhelming. In google docs, the options were almost something. Google docs’ just hopes it’s design is simple
hidden and took me a minute to find. enough for the user to figure out

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