Julia Croston and Anna Walker

30 January 2023

Research Plan Outline

A. Summary 

This research plan addresses issues, whether known or anticipated, that are related to
the UNF Hicks Honors College website, using usability testing to gauge the efficiency
and functionality of the product. We are focusing on how the website’s layout of
information shapes the users’ experiences with the college. We plan to investigate how
the website may inhibit or encourage in-person communication and access to necessary
information, including the various emotional responses the user may have when
navigating the product. We plan to utilize object-based techniques for testing users, as
well as website-based tasks for the two major classifications of users. Our schedule,
which allows for the completion of this project by April 17, details our estimated plan for
conducting our research and report. We also list out resources we anticipate needing
during this research plan. 

B. Research Issues and Questions

Issues: 

On the website, important information appears to be hidden or not easily accessed

for students. In general, the website functions as a maze with many dead ends. This
includes Honors advisors for freshman. The photo on the advising page is of two former
advisors who are no longer employed by the Honors college. The link to schedule an
advising appointment takes users to the general UNF first year advising website as
opposed to speaking to someone directly in Honors about the curriculum. The actual
place to book an appointment to speak with staff about questions is not obviously laid
out, creating confusion about where students should go with their questions. Under the
advising tab, the number on the website goes to the reception desk in the Honors’ office,
answered by a student receptionist, who will suggest making an appointment using the
booking schedule. This means the number does not truly work when wanting to reach out
to advising. Based on the website at this time (January 30, 2023), it is unclear if the
program currently has advisors.

Information on requirements, extending beyond admissions and the first year,

lacks depth and clarity. This can confuse users who rely on the information to complete
the program. We recognize that it should not be difficult for students to find essential
information, which makes this a high priority in our testing. Currently, students have to
dig for information, and find it remains ineffective due to outdated information left from
years past. 
 The website’s information and photos are outdated. Most, if not all, pictures seem
to be from Fall 2019, making the website around three years old. UNF frequently adapts
curriculum and information; however, this website does not seem to be up to date with
the current Honors program. It is unclear what has been updated and what has not. Some
information may still be relevant to the program, but this will confuse users, especially
those with limited familiarity with the program. We acknowledge the complexity of
rebuilding a website that adheres to a university-wide structure, so we will be focusing
less on color scheme or structure and more on content.

Browsing the website, it is difficult to grasp the purpose and function of the
Honors program as a whole. This is an important issue since prospective applicants will
look at the website to determine if they want to apply for Honors. Information on the
program seems scattered and incoherent throughout the formatting. Some of the
information is presented neatly, while other sections, like advising, make the information
presented more confusing. An insider would be able to decipher the website to a certain
level, but someone outside of the program will most likely be confused and frustrated,
proving the website ineffective as a primary resource. 

Questions:

1. Can users easily access accurate information about the Capstone project?
2. How efficient is the process for locating where and understanding how to book an
appointment with Honors staff?
3. Is the main drop down menu on the home page optimally organized?

C. Research Structure

I. Card Sorting

We will begin our research with card sorting. We plan to use a variety of
cards to represent the information available. In allowing the users to sort the cards
according to what makes sense to them, we hope to gain a better sense of how
users would want the product to be organized. We are concerned with issues of
organization and efficiency of information, so we think that this form of object-
based interviewing will allow for users to demonstrate how their brains would
organize the information, in contrast or in conjunction with how the product is
currently formatted.

II. Usability Testing

Our primary research segment will be conducted through usability testing

with website-based tasks. We plan to conduct research based on two primary
subsections of users, including freshman UNF Honors students and
upperclassmen in UNF’s Honors college. These subsections of users seem to be
 the target audience that would be interacting with the product on a semi-regular
basis.

a. Freshman Honors Students

We plan on conducting a round of one-on-one usability testing with a set

group of freshman Honors students at UNF. Though their testing will be the same
as the Upperclassmen, we anticipate this group, newly involved and committed to
the Honors College, will have less experience with the website. In their usability
testing and exploration of the product, we will be primarily concerned with how
easily and efficiently the freshman users can access the information and
understand their next steps. This cycle of usability testing introduces the variable
of a user’s ability to comprehend information, which may differ among users.
However, commonly notated issues and less-common issues will both be noted in
the research process, as any issues with the product should be given consideration.
Depending on the availability of this demographic of users, we will utilize face-
to-face usability testing and digital meeting spaces (such as Zoom) as needed to
gather research and information about their experience using this product.

b. Upperclassmen Honors Students

Our second subset of users for usability testing will involve the
upperclassmen UNF Honors students. From our precursory research, there seems
to be the least amount of information within the product that is advertised towards
upperclassmen users, despite the growing responsibilities that accompany the later
years in the program. In this round of testing, we anticipate users will be more
familiar with the product due to the experience of being in the Honors college.
Once again, we will conduct this cycle of usability testing over a combination of
face-to-face meetings or over digital meeting spaces, depending on the location
and availability of the users. 

D. Schedule

The following schedule shows our plan for completing the research and usability
tests in a timely manner. We have prearranged for each of our sets of information to be
completed on the business day before it is due. There are no specific labels for each of the
sets of usability testing because we will be utilizing flexibility to accommodate the
schedules of those who are participating in these rounds of usability testing. The schedule
below, however, reflects our goals for completing the cycles of testing each week. As
needed, we may adjust the schedule to accommodate unforeseen circumstances.
 2/0 2/13 2/20 2/2 3/06 3/20 3/2 4/03 4/10 4/17
6 7 7

Formulating Plan, Script, and

Test

Contacting Users

Personas and Scenarios

Interviews and Card Sorting

Usability Testing Plan

Usability Testing

Usability Test Report

E. Resources Needed:

 Multiple laptops
 Word processing software to log and keep track of collected data
 Eye tracking software
 Screen Recording software
 Access to the UNF Honor College website
 Social media accounts/email to communicate with prospective users
 Access to the UNF library
 The various class readings and textbook

F. Deliverables

If seen fit, we will compile our research and send it to the leaders of the Honors program
in order to help them adjust the website. Staff members include Dr. Leslie Kaplan, Dr. Jeff
Chamberlain, Dr. Tiffany Kershner, and Dawn Button. Most likely, we will focus on sharing
information with Dr. Chamberlain (Dr. J) as the Dean of the Honors college. Our goal is not to
criticize, but instead to help the program see how the website affects prospective and current
students.