Requirements Analysis

http://iakm-dev2.slis.kent.edu/

Matthew Pahls

November 13, 2009

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Statement of Work The purpose of this study is to identify key areas of interest pertaining to the new IAKM

website. This study investigates work rendered during the first iteration of changes pertain-

ing to the new redesign. First we needed to identify user characteristics by having our user

population participate in two surveys. The results will be analyzed and two user profiles will

be build from the information gathered. Once the profiles are identified and developed we

will then find some participants that meet the characteristic bound by the profiles that were

developed, and they will participate in a user task analysis.

From the information gathered a set of goals for the new interface will be developed. The

study will also note any limitations posed by the system. The study will wrap up with a set

of design principals that should be taken into consideration in the next iteration of develop-

ment.

1. Statement of work [Pg 2]

2. Survey [Pg 3]

3. User Profiles [Pg 26]

4. Task Analysis [Pg 27]

5. Usability Goals [Pg 29]

6. System Capabilities and Constraints [Pg 30]

7. Design Principals [Pg 32]

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Survey

The research team divided the survey into two distinct user segments that would participate

separate surveys. Both surveys were exactly the same but getting empirical results from

each group separately allowed the team to see how each user segment interacted with the

Information Architecture and Knowledge Management Site. From this data two user profiles

will be created since we were knowledgeable enough to segregate the users early on in the

process.

IAKM Survey

Over half [54%] of the participants of the survey were between the ages of 26 and 40. The

users between the ages of 18 and 25 [23%] and 41 - 55 [23%] made up the rest of the users

that participated in the study. The majority of the users resided in the age range of 26 to 40,

and based on that information these users should be the target audience for the IAKM web-

site based on the finding of the general survey.

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Survey

SLIS Survey

Half [50%] of the user that participated in the survey were between the ages of 26 and

40. The users between the ages of 18 and 25 [25%] and 41 - 55 [25%] made up the rest of

the users that participated in the study. Even though only 50% of the participants are noted

in the 26 - 40 age range; that age range only compromises 14 years of deviation. The lar-

ger user population encompasses a deviation of 21 years. The IAKM website should be tar-

geting the 26 to 40 age range based on the information gathered from the SLIS survey.

Combined Analysis

Both surveys warranted the same outcome for this question. The target audience for the

IAKM website is 26 to 40 years old.

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Survey

IAKM Survey

The majority of the participants were male [67%] and the minority of the participants were

female [33%].

SLIS Survey

The majority of the participants were female [67%] and the minority of the participants were

male [33%].

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Survey

Combined Analysis

Here we had conflicting results based on the audience segments involved. The IAKM sur-

vey showed that over half of the audience was compromised of mostly male users.

IAKM Survey

Three locations were represented by the survey. Ohio [85%] had by far the majority of re-

sponses, and New Jersey [8%] / Virginia [8%] both made up the rest of the responses

equally.

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Survey

SLIS Survey

Ohio represented [100%] of the users that participated in the survey

Combined Analysis:

The majority of the users are located within Ohio, and relying on the principal of locality that

the program is located in Ohio the numbers also state that most of the user population is

going to reside here in Ohio.

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Survey

IAKM Survey

All but one user stated that they would like to participate.

SLIS Survey

All but one user stated that they would like to participate.

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Survey

Combined Analysis

Almost all of the users are vested in the success of the site and would like to participate in

further activities that could potentially warrant a better user experience in any new iterations

of the site.

IAKM Survey

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Survey

Combined Analysis

Almost all of the users are vested in the success of the site and would like to participate in

further activities that could potentially warrant a better user experience in any new iterations

of the site.

SLIS Survey

Combined Analysis

This portion of the survey allowed the user to input their email address so they could be

contacted if further investigation was needed.

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Survey

IAKM Survey

All but one user does not have any vision impairments.

SLIS Survey

Here [83%] of the users stated they didn't have any vision problems, and [17%] stated that

they have at least one condition.

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Survey

IAKM Survey

Glasses / Contacts: near sighted.

SLIS Survey

I wear glasses--bifocals (should be trifocals, really).

Combined Analysis

All user input lead to the need for corrective lenses to properly utilize the site. Even though

subjective user population measured here is small the IAKM site must take their need into

consideration.

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Survey

IAKM Survey

All but one response was indicated by a yes answer

Yes [92%] / No [8%]

SLIS Survey

All 12 responded No [100%]

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Survey

Combined Analysis

Here we see again where the two user segments differ in their responses. This mainly has

to do with the fact on how the survey was distributed, but getting people that are not directly

affiliated with the program can also warrant information from user that are not experts in the

program.

IAKM Survey

Over half of the users indicated that the heard about the program from a former or current

student [58%]. Two users found the program from searching the web [17%]. The rest of

the users marked other and then listed their experience in the next question.

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Survey

SLIS Survey

Here the majority [67%] of the users marked other, and listed their experience in the next

question. The second highest result was hearing about the program from a former or cur-

rent student [25%]. One user had indicated they found the program by searching the web.

Combined Analysis

Here the audience segments show drastically different representations on how they heard

about the program. The general survey indicates a heavy word of mouth usage in getting

IAKM to the masses. On the other side of the table you have the SLIS survey that indicates

that their experiences were not mentioned in the surveys expected allotted answers.

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Survey

IAKM Survey

Researched IT Management MS programs in the Akron area.

One of my undergrad teachers

SLIS Survey

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Survey

SLIS Survey

SLIS classes

From the SLIS student handbook (the dual masters program is mentioned in there).

Representative from Kent State who visited OCLC

I am enrolled in the SLIS program

SLIS

though the LIS program at Kent State

Kent State

I am a student at SLIS

Through Kent's School of Library and Information Science

From my employer. I am also a current SLIS student

an email

friend of mine in SLIS program

MLIS Kent State 12-12-12 program

professor

SLIS orientation this fall

From SLIS

SLIS website

Kent listserv--knew about it from Dr.Froelich

SLIS Orientation

Throught the Kent State MLIS program

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Survey

IAKM Survey

This survey indicates a high level of computer expertise [45%], and well over [36%] of the

users state that they have above experience with computers. Only [18%] of the users

tested state they have average computer experience.

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Survey

SLIS Survey

Half of the users represented rated themselves above average. While [42%] rated them-

selves average and one user [8%] stated they as below average.

Combined Analysis

The users represented in the general user survey perceived themselves experts; while the

SLIS audience segment state a more average knowledge of computers.

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Survey

IAKM Survey

All users that took this survey indicate that they use the computer daily

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Survey

SLIS Survey

Only one user represented by this survey doesn't utilize a computer on a daily basis

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Survey

Combined Analysis

Both audience segments utilize the computer on a daily basis.

IAKM Survey

Half of the users here mention PC as their platform for computer usage; while MAC / Both

share the rest of the answers [25%].

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Survey

SLIS Survey

Here we have a high usage of PC [92%] for their platform, but [8%] users answered that

they use both.

Combined Analysis

Both segments elude that PC is the platform that is utilized the most. In second comes the

Mac, but the numbers also indicate that the users are using both platforms.

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Survey

SLIS Survey

Here an overwhelmingly [83%] of the users have never utilized the site in the past. The

numbers might look bad at first, but there is positive outcome with retrospect on how we can

utilize their lack of previous knowledge. We could target these individuals during the task

analysis to identify how someone with little to no experience might find information on the

site.

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Survey

SLIS Survey

Here we try to identify where the user would reside in the IAKM realm. Most of the informa-

tion presented by this question states that these users are interested in getting more infor-

mation about the program [42%]. Others are interested in applying for coursework [17%],

and a couple don't even know what the program is but would like to gather more information

[17%]. The rest of the users [25%] aren't sure.

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User Profile

IAKM Source

Name: William Gates Age: 33 Occupation: Professional / coming back to obtain a Masters Degree Bill works full time as a web designer, but as his experience grows in his professional field he feels the need to further his knowledge and focus his attention towards better under-standing his users. Motivated by his personal need for growth in his field of work Bill had applied and got accepted into the Information Architecture and knowledge management de-gree program. His concentration was a no brainer to him as he choose User Experience Design because it seemed to meld with what he was already doing professionally. William utilizes the IAKM website as his home base to make sure he maintains the proper track as he progresses through this portion of his academic life. He doesn’t frequent the site daily he does depend on it heavily at certain times of the year for information on what courses he must take in order to graduate in a timely manor. SLIS Source Name: Elizabeth Book-Neil Age 30 Occupation: Student / currently pursuing a Masters Degree from the School of Library Sci-ences Elizabeth is currently a full time student pursuing her maters degree from the school of li-brary and information sciences. But as she progresses through her program she becomes very interested in some of the coursework in the Knowledge Management concentration of the Information Architecture and Knowledge Management program. The courses she is tak-ing in one area of study seem to meld well with what could be derived from courses in knowledge management. Elizabeth uses the IAKM website as an investigation tool as she combs through her educational possibilities. She doesn’t frequent the site too often, and when she does she uses the browsing nature of the site to further her desire to obtain infor-mation about courses in knowledge management.

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Baseline Study

For the baseline study two uses were asked to perform the tasks mentioned below. These

tasks were developed based on the information that was derived from both the survey and

the results from the users profiles.

User 1

Task Notes Time to Complete

You are a prospective Knowledge Management certificate student. How would you apply to the pro-gram?

The user found the infor-mation right away with little effort.

13 Seconds

You are a prospective User Experience Design Stu-dent. How would you apply to the program?

The user got lost by going to the UXD Master Link on the home page and all that area did was list courses. Did not mention applying.

58 Seconds

You are interested in a graduate assistantship. Find information about ap-plying for this position

First the user tried the search, and then tried the current student / Employ-ment Opportunities Second attempt the user went to the FAQ

2:10 seconds 7 Seconds

It is time to schedule for the Spring 2010 Semester. Find course descriptions for the Knowledge Man-agement Concentration

The user was able to find this information quickly

11 Seconds

You are approaching graduation and beginning to think about the master’s project or capstone. Find information that will help you make your decision

The user was now used to the reliability of the FAQ and went directly there.

17 Seconds

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Baseline Study

User 2

Task Notes Time to Complete

You are a prospective Knowledge Management certificate student. How would you apply to the pro-gram?

Utilized the left navigation to go to programs then found the program

35 Seconds

You are a prospective User Experience Design Stu-dent. How would you apply to the program?

Used the left hand naviga-tion and went to programs then found the program in-formation

10 Seconds

You are interested in a graduate assistantship. Find information about ap-plying for this position

Utilized the FAQ and then went to financial aid.

19 Seconds

It is time to schedule for the Spring 2010 Semester. Find course descriptions for the Knowledge Man-agement Concentration

Went to the KM curriculum page

7 Seconds

You are approaching graduation and beginning to think about the master’s project or capstone. Find information that will help you make your decision

First went to apply now. Then went to current stu-dent forms.

27 Seconds

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Usability Goals

The Information Architecture and Knowledge Management site is used primarily as a way to ascertain information from either students that are currently in the degree program or the prospective student that want to find more information about a particular degree program. Both target audiences want the information to be readily available and rather easy to find. Since neither target audience frequents the site; ease of learning should be the primary topic of concern. Since this site is targeted at two major facets of users and they have clear and distinct needs both pertaining the discovery and competition of a given degree program the site needs to focus a novice level approach. This means all elements of the site adhere to a high satisfaction rate that is tightly coupled with ease of learning. Satisfying those two elements will definitely increase the overall success of the site and it’s intended functions. Site Characterizes

All the users to quickly find information, but warrant browsing and further investiga-tion

The site needs consistency and prevents the user from getting lost. The site also needs to allow the user to return to the point of origin quickly and with

little effort. The style infractions on this iteration of the new IAKM site must be resolved.

Recommendations Based on watching the users complete the tasks that were given to them; the sites

navigation needs to be restructured. I am recommending starting out with a card sorting exercise to see what the users have for expectations on the current structure of the site’s navigational elements. Then going back at the results and then try to look at where improvements could be made.

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System Capabilities and Constraints

Platform: Joomla User Management: The system allows users to configure their own personal options. There are nine user groups that are pared with their own respective permissions. These permis-sions are what dictate the user’s access, edit, and publish levels for the site. Authentication can also be managed via various protocols that include LDAP, OpenID, and even Gmail. This allows the users to utilized preexisting account to streamline any registra-tion process. Media Manager: This tool employs management of medial files and folders, and is tightly coupled with the Article Editor so the content developer can readily insert media at any time. Language Manager: The platform supports many of the worlds various languages and also UTF-8 encoding. Banner Manager: This tool allows the user to easily setup banners on a Website. Contact Management: The contact manager allows you to find the right person for the task at hand. Grouping of contacts are also possible that adds a layer of abstraction and group notifications can be initiated. Content Management: Content can be organized anyway the organization sees fit. Devel-oping the content is simple and powered by a WYSIWYG editor that allows even the novice user to have the ability on combining test, images, and other various formats in an attractive way. Published content can be made available for download via email, or PDF so the users can retain the information in their own personal collections. Administrators have the ability to archive content for backup purposes, hiding it from the active site. Syndication and Newsfeed Management: Syndication is a snap this tool allows your site to easily be viewed in RSS format making content available in other ways. It is also just as easy to bring RSS feeds to the site by defining a source and embedding the object into the desired location. Menu Manger: The menu manager allows the site developers to create endless arrays of menus. The menu structure is completely separated from the content structure allowing the site to change quickly and with little effort. This tool also allows easy implementation of breadcrumbs that aid in letting the users know where they have come from and make the site simpler to navigate.

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System Capabilities and Constraints

Template Management: Templates are a powerful way creating consistency between the various pages throughout the site, and making the site look exactly as indented. Templates are not locked down in any sense, and overrides can be implanted at any level. Integrated Help System: This built in tool helps users in finding what they need. Combined with a powerful online presence help and support are only a click away. System Features: Timely page loads are accomplished through caching, and GZIP page compression. If issues are occurring; debugging mode is available to the administrator so the issue can quickly be identified and resolved. The file transport protocol layer allows file operations without having to compromising your sites security. Administrators can quickly communicate with users through private messaging or mass messaging. Web Services: This feature allows the use of Remote Procedure Calls so services that im-plore XML-RPC can be integrated. Extensibility: The heart of Joomla is in the community behind the product and the Open Source development platform it was based on. The community is personally invested in the growth of the product breadcrumbs that aid in letting the users know where they have come from and make the site simpler to navigate.

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Design Principles

The site must adhere to a common look and feel though out its entire presence. Navigation must be consistent to avoid pogo sticking. The user must know where they are located; this should be implemented with bread-

crumbs. Hyperlinks need to conform to what the user expects. They should be underlined and be

presented in a distinct color that warrants clicking. Links to external resources need to be clearly marked so the user knows they will be leaving the current site.

All errors that are encountered must be presented to the end user in a readable format in a common language that describes the issue and possible solutions. The system must also log and notify the administrator that this problematic event has occurred.

Searches must provide the user with pertinent and relevant search results that aid in the accomplishment of getting to the right information quickly.

Content must be divided logically and written so that the information is presented prop-erly and can be easily understood.

Style consistency must be done though the usage of CSS, and should be applied to at the general level and overridden when the situation warrants it.

The design of the website must be attractive to look at. Making sure it isn’t boring, clut-tered, overwhelming.

The site must behave properly across all browsers and different sized monitors & screen settings

It is also very important to adhere to 508 compliance standards for accessibility.