TEAM HEURISTIC EVALUATION REPORT

Evaluation of NJIT’s MSPTC Website

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Master of Science in Professional and Technical

Communication

http://msptc.njit.edu

PTC601-851

Advanced Prof. & Tech. Comm.

Dr. Nancy Coppola

Fall 2012

Team 4:

Laura Jasinski

Elisa Rivera

Jamil Wilkins

http://msptc.njit.edu

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 03

Evaluation on Design

Visibility of system status 04

User control and freedom 06

Aesthetic and minimalist design 08

Evaluation on Content

Match between system and the real world 11

Consistency and standards 13

Help and documentation 13

Flexibility and efficiency of use 16

Evaluation on Awareness

Recognition rather than recall 17

Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors 18

Error prevention 19

Recommendations 20

Sources 21

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INTRODUCTION

User-centered design and communication are valuable, but we must know if what we have

designed is appropriate for our target audience. While there are many methods to evaluate a

communication product's usability, one of the quickest and easiest is the heuristic evaluation.

Heuristic evaluation, or expert review, is a diagnostic method in which experts take the role of

less experienced users and describe the problems they encounter with an interface or system.

"Heuristics" are tools used to uncover problems, forecast appropriate communications to target

audiences and answer the four “I am” statements. At all times, users should know where they are

on a site, what they are doing on a site, if they are in control of a site, and if they are impressed

by a site. Segmented into Design, Content and Awareness, the following evaluation employs

Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Heuristics to the NJIT MSPTC website assessment as usability principles.

Following the complete analysis are recommendations for improving the NJIT MSPTC website.

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DESIGN

This section is an evaluation of the content within the MSPTC site. The areas of focus will be visibility of system

status; user control and freedom; and aesthetic and minimalist design.

Design: Visibility of system status

This heuristics aspect of the website covers how the system, at all times, should keep users informed

about what is going on, through appropriate feedback within a reasonable time.

The following analysis answers the following questions:

Are the URL line and the status line used to provide effective feedback?

Keep in mind that the most important factor to users is to know "Where am I?" and 'Where can I go

next?" Answering this question requires the branding of each page and indication of what section it

belongs to. Links to other pages should be clearly marked.

ANALYSIS Overall, the website’s URL line (http://msptc.njit.edu/) provides effective feedback to a perspective or

current student. Additionally, the status line actively communicates web availability to the user, as seen

below in Images 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3. Perspective students are clearly notified with a red banner that they are

visit the College of Science and Liberal Arts section to alleviate any site navigation confusion.

Image 1.1

Image 1.2

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Image 1.3

Whether it’s a perspective or current student, the navigation trail and page headers are easy to follow with

a consistent path as seen in Image 1.4 below. Each page is properly branded with the MSPTC text;

however, it lacks a program logo or unique design that distinguishes it from the rest of the NJIT web

pages. The pages are organized effectively and efficiently to easily navigate from topic to subtopic or

related links. Although this site is well structured, it lacks a distinct personality from other NJIT pages. In

addition, several URLs are not functioning (i.e., ePortfolios and related links).

Below is a chart reviewing all of the URL and status lines in the MSPTC website to provide appropriate

feedback to a perspective or current student. In addition, this chart addresses the questions of “Where am

I?” and “Where can I go next?”

Web page URL line

Status line

Branded Site? Do users know where they are?

Do users know where they can go next?

MSPTC Home Uses white background

(instead of red or blue), but no clear logo or different

font

Yes, users easily know where

they are in both the URL and Status lines

Yes, either back or to the next level

About PTC Same as above Same as above Same as above

Director’s Welcome Same as above Same as above Same as above

Mission, Core Values & Vision Same as above Same as above Same as above

History Same as above Same as above Same as above

Why Study PTC at NJIT? Same as above Same as above Same as above

Our People Same as above Same as above Same as above

Faculty Same as above Same as above Same as above

Administration Same as above Same as above Same as above

Degrees & Certificates Same as above Same as above Same as above

Master’s Degree Same as above Same as above Same as above

Graduate Certificates Same as above Same as above Same as above

eLearning Same as above Same as above Same as above

Course Syllabi Same as above Same as above Same as above

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Research Same as above Same as above Same as above

Careers in PTC Same as above Same as above Same as above

News & Events Same as above Same as above Same as above

Information for Students Same as above Same as above Same as above

Student Profiles Same as above Same as above Same as above

FAQs Same as above Same as above Same as above

What Students Say Same as above Same as above Same as above

What Graduates Do Same as above Same as above Same as above

Apply Same as above Same as above Same as above

Contact Us Same as above Same as above Same as above

Image 1.4

Design: User control and freedom

This aspect of the heuristics evaluation examines the many times users often choose system functions by

mistake and need a clearly marked “emergency exit” to leave an unwanted state without having to go

through an extended dialogue (support undo and redo).

The following analysis answers the following questions:

Can users select and sequence tasks? Can they easily return to where they were if they choose an

inappropriate path?

Keep in mind that a 'home' button on every page is a simple way to let users feel in control of the website.

Be careful when forcing certain font choices, colors, screen widths, or browser versions, including the use

of 'advanced technologies" that users may not have.

ANALYSIS Perspective and current students can successfully select and sequence tasks. As seen in Image 1.5 below,

if a student needs MSPTC faculty contact information, the sequence of Home > MSPTC> Our People >

Faculty would take them directly to an exact email address. The prior links utilized are also listed; as a

result, students can avoid using the back button on their web browser.

MSPTC topics and

subtopics are easily

located on each web

page. Also, related links

are easily accessible.

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The MSPTC Home button appears on all pages, except for the Information for Student tab; therefore

students can easily return to the home page if necessary. The Information for Student tab navigates to a

Financial Aid page, taking the user away from the MSPTC site.

This site was evaluated for control and freedom on both a laptop (Internet Explorer) and iPad (Safari) and

tested for font choices, colors, screen widths and browser versions.

Image 1.5

Web page Home

button present

Awareness of path/Emergency exit available?

User freedom (web browser, device)

MSPTC Home N/A All pages tested well About PTC Director’s Welcome

Mission, Core Values & Vision

History Why Study PTC at NJIT?

Our People Faculty Administration Degrees & Certificates

Master’s Degree Graduate Certificates

eLearning Course Syllabi Research

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Careers in PTC News & Events Information for Students

Student Profiles FAQs What Students Say

What Graduates Do

Apply Contact Us

Design: Aesthetic and minimalist design

This aspect of the heuristic evaluation demonstrates how dialogues should not contain information which

is irrelevant or rarely needed. Every extra unit of information in a dialogue competes with the relevant

units of information and diminishes their relative visibility.

The following analysis answers the following questions:

Are the best media and screen images used to convey a message?

Keep in mind that users may find extraneous information on a page is a distraction and a slow-down. The

website should utilize links for progressive levels of details; however, rarely used information should be

made accessible via a link. If users jump into the middle of a progression, make sure there's a way to go

'up" to get the bigger picture.

ANALYSIS The MSPTC site utilizes a minimalist design with simple headers. All of the detailed information is

necessary and essential for perspective and current students. The site includes various screen images, but

many pages, including History, Research and Careers in Professional and Communications avoid the use

of images. The images used are relevant and universally accepted. Videos included on the site add

tremendous value; however, several pages are extremely text heavy which can overwhelm a perspective

student.

Web page Best media Best screen images Irrelevant information

Distractions

MSPTC Home One video Four images, easy to scan

No No, minimalist layout design

About the Program One video (same as home

page)

No images No. This page includes a two

paragraph program description.

None

Director’s Welcome No media used One image (headshot) No. This page includes a five

paragraph introduction letter.

None

Mission, Core Values and Vision

No media used The only image used links to an outside NJIT

page; however it is

No. This page contains three bullet point descriptions.

The bottom half of the page

contain a lot of

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relevant. empty space. This could be a

distraction to a reader.

History No media used No images were used; however this page is text heavy. Perhaps the use of

a visual timeline/milestone

marker would be more effective.

No. This page contains a brief

history, along with program milestones.

Lack of images (text heavy page).

Why Study PTC at NJIT? One video No images This page contains three text sections and one video. To

eliminate some text, the NJIT Difference section could be a

link to the NJIT About Us page.

None

Our People No media used One headshot is used; however instead of just using a link for similar

stories, more images/headshots would

be more effective.

No, every interesting story included on this

page.

This page has a lot of white space,

making it feel empty.

Faculty No media used. Headshots are main focus on this page.

No None

Administration No media used. Two headshots are included on this page.

No This page has a log of white

space, making it feel empty.

Degrees & Certificates One podcast sample is present.

Only one small image is used.

No None

Master’s Degree No media used. No images used. No None

Graduate Certificates One video link No images used. No, only brief text is included.

None

eLearning Links to two NJIT videos are

included

No images are used. No, only brief text is included.

None

Course Syllabi No media used. No images are used. No, only links are included.

None

Research No media used. No images are used. No, only links are included.

None

Careers in PTC No media used. No images are used. There is a lengthy career description with relevant details.

This page has a lot of text; therefore,

subtopics would be helpful.

News & Events No media used. No images are used. There is a lot of information

presented on this page.

Including the topics of each guest blogger

would be helpful and would create

a better page flow.

Information for Students Links to ePortfolio sites

No images (links have screen image) are used.

No, the text included is relevant.

The ePortfolio images need to be layout in a better

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format.

Student Profiles No media used. Various headshots are used.

Very relevant information.

None

What Students Say No media used. Various headshots are used.

Relevant text is included on this page.

The layout of this page is awkward

and not evenly distributed by

person.

Financial Aid pages N/A N/A N/A N/A

Apply No media used. No images used. Relevant text is included on this page

None

Contact Us No media used. No images used. Relevant text is included on this page

None

Section on Design was evaluated by Laura Jasinski

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CONTENT

This section is an evaluation of the content within the MSPTC site. The areas of focus will be the match between the

system and the real world; consistency and standards; flexibility and efficiency of use; and help and documentation.

The evaluation explores the home page along with each section and subsection of the site. The table below

illustrates these divisions. Each one will be explained as it relates to the four areas of heuristic content.

SECTIONS (including home page) SUBSECTIONS

1 MSPTC Home

2 About the Program [About PTC] a. Director’s Welcome |

b. Mission, Core Values and Vision |

c. History

3 Why Study PTC at NJIT?

4 Our People a. Faculty |

b. Administration

5 Degrees & Certificates [Academics] a. Master’s Degree |

b. Graduate Certificates |

c. eLearning |

d. Course Syllabi

6 Research

7 Careers in PTC

8 News & Events

9 Information for Students a. Student Profiles |

b. FAQs |

c. Financial Aid for Graduate Students |

d. Financial Support for Graduate Students |

e. What Students Say |

f. What Graduates Do

10 Apply

11 Contact Us

General concerns throughout this section

Do links take users away from the current page? Do they have parent or blank targets?

Does the address match the current page?

Are the links active? If so, does the corresponding page have content?

Is the content relevant to the heading and up to date?

The use of typefaces & headings and their consistency throughout the site.

Content: Match between system and the real world

This heuristic aspect of the website correlates the website’s language with that of its users and their

intentions when visiting the pages. It’s about speaking the user's language, with words, phrases, and

concepts familiar to the user, rather than system-oriented terms. This aspect encourages the website to

follow real-world conventions to make information appear in a natural and logical order.

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The following analysis answers the question:

Does the website reflect users' language, tasks, and intentions?

Keep in mind that users come from different backgrounds on the Web, so this issue is a challenge.

ANALYSIS Language, intentions, and tasks Dr. Coppola, the program’s director, addresses her audience and reassures them of what to expect from

the program and site. She does this by greeting her audience, establishing credibility by stating the

founding aspect of her credentials, and transfers the spotlight to the rest of the MSPTC community. She

then uses this transition as a way to indirectly draw the reader into the community, meriting their efforts

in expressing an interest in the program (See image 2.1).

Image 2.1

Also in the director’s welcome, the statement “I hope that you will explore this website to learn about

MS·PTC unique capabilities for preparing you to be a leader in the technology-dependent economy of the

21st century” helps the reader clarify their reason for visiting the website and again reassures them that

their tasks of searching for the necessary information is available; and then confirmed by the site menu

being displayed to the left of the message. View here: http://screencast.com/t/mBIesjG4h63

Logical order

The order of the site is that the home page precedes everything, information on the program follows, and

then the reason why prospective students should join the program. This is certainly an effective order.

Even the information about the program is structured appropriately; first the welcome message from the

program director, followed by the program’s mission, and then the history. Grouping works in favor of

the content order and how experienced and inexperienced users could move around. Academics,

Research, and Careers in PTC; News & Events and Information for Students; and Apply and Contact Us

are arranged logically to create a comfortable and hierarchal flow of information.

Content: Consistency and standards This heuristic aspect of the website explains the use of consistent language based on platform

conventions. Users should not have to wonder whether different words, situations, or actions mean the

same thing.

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The following analysis answers the questions:

Do the Web pages work with different browsers? Can people resize windows or adjust browser options

without compromising information or the task?

Keep in mind that one of the most common cases of inconsistent wording is with links, page titles, and

headers. Inconsistent wording can confuse users when the destination page has a different title from the

prior link. . Additionally, when it comes to standards on the Web, it’s important to follow HTML and

other specifications. Deviations will create opportunities for unusable features to creep into your site. A

prime example is having a Flash animation embedded in the website although it cannot be viewed on

Apple devices.

ANALYSIS Consistent language

The website uses basic sentences, standard punctuation, consistent words, and avoids metaphors, sayings,

and clichés. These elements work together to keep the users informed, interested, and engaged in the

information. The tone remains informative although part of the purpose is to persuade new users to apply

to the program. Passive voice is also used consistently throughout the website. A concern regarding

consistent language that stands out is the misspelling of a heading (view here:

http://screencast.com/t/ZCzBVxom) and the “Information for Students” link on the homepage (view here:

http://screencast.com/t/MzbuysXsR). It appears as though it only exists on these pages, but the issue

should not occur at all.

Browser consistency

The website works within different browsers. The website maintains its aspect ratio from 67 to 200

percent in Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 or higher, Mozilla Firefox 3.6 or higher, Safari

3 or higher, and Opera.

Additional examples of consistency are explained in the following two heuristics areas, Flexibility and

Efficiency of Use & Help and Documentation.

Content: Flexibility and efficiency of use

This heuristic aspect of the website refers to experienced and inexperienced users accessing the

information in an efficient way. The information should be set up in way to allow experienced users quick

and easy access without causing navigational confusion among inexperienced users. In other words, the

content structure must cater to both experienced and inexperienced users.

The following analysis answers the question: Do links take users where they expect to go?

Keep in mind that having content specific to a page makes bookmarking and accessing information mush

easier.

ANALYSIS Efficiency

The addresses of the website are properly associated with the pages. For example,

http://msptc.njit.edu/apply/index.php informs the user that the page is about applying to the program, in

which the page heading is “Apply.” This is beneficial to new users who can refer to the address bar for

reference and returning users who want to bookmark specific pages. View the entire list in the following

example. Make note of how each address has the parent page, a section, and subsection if needed.

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MSPTC Home http://msptc.njit.edu/index.php

About the Program [About PTC] http://msptc.njit.edu/about/

Director’s Welcome http://msptc.njit.edu/about/welcome.php

Mission, Core Values and Vision http://msptc.njit.edu/about/mission.php

History http://msptc.njit.edu/about/history.php

Why Study PTC at NJIT? http://msptc.njit.edu/why/index.php

Our People http://msptc.njit.edu/people/index.php

Faculty http://msptc.njit.edu/people/faculty.php

Administration http://msptc.njit.edu/people/admin.php

Degrees & Certificates [Academics] http://msptc.njit.edu/academics/index.php

Master’s Degree http://msptc.njit.edu/academics/ms-ptc/index.php

Graduate Certificates http://msptc.njit.edu/academics/gradcertificates.php

eLearning http://msptc.njit.edu/academics/elearning.php

Course Syllabi http://msptc.njit.edu/academics/syllabi/index.php

Research http://msptc.njit.edu/research/index.php

Careers in PTC http://msptc.njit.edu/careers/index.php

News & Events http://msptc.njit.edu/news/index.php

Information for Students http://msptc.njit.edu/students/index.php

Student Profiles http://msptc.njit.edu/students/portfolios/index.php

FAQs http://msptc.njit.edu/students/faqs.php

What Students Say http://msptc.njit.edu/students/whatstudentssay.php

What Graduates Do http://msptc.njit.edu/students/whatgraduatesdo.php

Apply http://msptc.njit.edu/apply/index.php

Contact Us http://msptc.njit.edu/contact/index.php

This goes well will the structure that keeps the information within a section to better help new users

access the website option. The following screenshot will illustrate how the information in the space to the

right of the links changes when navigating throughout the site. However, this is inconsistent in some

places; an example being the move from “Student Profiles” to “FAQs.” (View here

http://screencast.com/t/84af1NZl)

However, what works in favor of navigation is the bread crumbs feature to inform users of the

information trail they’re leaving behind (See image 2.2)

Image 2.2

Lining up the links

The site has many links to plenty of material, and it does a good job at placing enough summarized or

introductory information on one page and guiding users to an external page.

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Example: http://screencast.com/t/8zxEUmaw

Unfortunately, not all the links line up. Let’s dive into Information for Students [Item 9 of the table]. One

out of six student ePortfolios (http://web.njit.edu/~rsb24/) is active while the remaining links direct the

user to an error page (http://screencast.com/t/NLd1PUBLY). These are example of students’ works that

have completed the program and should be updated. Another example of a broken link, that creates

inconsistency, is the “What Graduates Do” link that exists within the About page [Item 2 of the table] and

as item 9 of the table.

The link is active here: http://msptc.njit.edu/students/whatgraduatesdo.php.

The same link is inactive here: http://msptc.njit.edu/about/index.php.

Related to inactive links is having updated information. Following the thread from Academics to “Current

Courses” show that the MSPTC Curriculum Matrix can be updated to courses of the 2010-2011 to the

2012-2013 term. http://msptc.njit.edu/academics/current-courses.php

Another example of the inconsistent content arrangement that’s related to What MSPTC Graduates Do,

which may also cause inefficiency, is how the order of occupations is displayed alphabetically on this

page (view here: http://screencast.com/t/bie8crhbw) but is displayed in a random order on Careers in PTC

(view here: http://screencast.com/t/6TltlUZL0I7)

Target of the links

Users might struggle with navigation. Links do take users where they expect to go, but it would be helpful

if the targets were blank to allow for information in a separate tab or window. This is consistent

throughout the site and should be considered, especially with information that doesn’t directly relate to

the program. For example, “Financial Aid for Graduate Students” and “Financial Support for Graduate

Students” [Items 9c and 9d in the table] redirect users to the Financial Aid website which has more links

for users to get lost in. One more concern regarding target links is the broken link of the campus map on

the Contact Us page [Item 11 of the table] (See image 2.3).

Image 2.3

Content: Help and documentation

This heuristic aspect of the website encourages the use of providing help and documentation if they are

necessary for the page, even though it is better if the website can be used without them. If any

documentation is used to help users complete their tasks, it should be a small file to quickly download;

specific to the task at hand, short and to the point, and the information should be easily scannable.

The following analysis answers the the question: Is the site self-documenting?

Keep in mind that for the Web, the key is to integrate the documentation onto the site, either through links

to specific help or onto each page.

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Help windows

Certain web pages have supporting windows to help

provide additional documentation or relevant news.

The image to the right (image 2.4), for example, sits

beside the text on the Mission, Core Values and

Vision page [Item 2b in the table]. An example of the

window

being used to integrate documentation is the

“Remembering Doc Estrin” document.

Link on website:

http://msptc.njit.edu/about/history.php

Direct link: http://magazine.njit.edu/2010/win/alumni-

circuit.pdf

The windows are used successfully throughout the

site; however, the links opening up in the window

rather than a new tab or windows takes the user away

from the main page. In the case of the About page, the

users are being directed to an undeveloped page

(http://screencast.com/t/BGxgDrESFA).

Image 2.4

The information, overall, is well contained within the site, and no documentation is required for the user

to download. The help windows are consistently located in the same place of each page it’s on so that

users no exactly where to expect them.

Note: Help windows are used in items 2, 2b, 2c, 3, 5a, 5b, and 7 of the table.

Videos Integrating supporting material onto a website can be challenging since the risk of them not playing as

expected can occur. The videos on the site do not play when turned on, but that could be a personal

system error. For that reason, users should be given the option to view the original videos on YouTube.

Note: Videos are used in items 2 and 3 of the table.

Section on Content was evaluated by Jamil Wilkins

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ERROR NOTIFICATIONS

This section is an evaluation of the error notifications within the MSPTC site. The areas of focus will be

recognition rather recall; help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors; and error prevention.

Error Notifications: Recognition Rather Than Recall

This aspect of the heuristics evaluation focuses on minimizing the user's memory load by making objects,

actions, and options visible. The user should not have to remember information from one part of the

dialogue to another. Instructions for use of the system should be visible or easily retrievable whenever

appropriate.

The following analysis illustrates how visible and accessible menu options and formatted textual

information is to users.

Keep in mind that if users can tell where they are by looking at the current page, they are less likely to get

lost. Good labels and descriptive links are crucial for recognition.

ANALYSIS The MSPTC website does an excellent job in making objects, actions and menu options visible through

color, spacing, headings and typography. The initial welcome page for the website uses visual cues and

white space to distinguish prompts, information and user input. The white space remains constant

throughout the entire website allowing text areas to have enough room to be readable and provide visual

indications for easy scanning. The data display begins in the upper-left corner of the screen and is

positioned in a convenient region where the information is easily visible. Similarly, the color sequence of

the bordered text remains consistent throughout each selected page. Lighter colors and positioning seem

to emphasize relevant information while darker colors draw attention to specific upper and lower sections

of the page.

Additionally, each menu option is separated into concise, short phrases that utilize only relevant word

choices. None of the paragraphs and words are broken up into awkward sections but are extended

horizontally and remain in grouped areas. Below are further examples of the website’s visibility

techniques.

White space

Color highlights

Horizontal labels

Bold typography shows

relevance

Headings distinguish zones Default menu selection

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Error Notifications: Help Users Recognize, Diagnose, and recover from Errors

This aspect of the heuristics evaluation explains why error messages should be expressed in plain

language (no codes), precisely indicate the problem, and constructively suggest a solution.

The following analysis is to ensure that error messages are presented in a concise effective manner and

show users why the error occurred and how they can correct it.

Keep in mind that every error message should offer a solution or a link to a solution. For example, if a

search yields no hits, don't just tell the user to broaden the search: provide a link that will broaden the

search.

ANALYSIS When clicking on the sidebar option Information for Students-Student Eportfolios, I am unable to view

five of the six portfolios presented. Once I select the ones on the right of the page I am transported to a

separate page with an error notification (See image 3.1). This message is also displayed when selecting

the About PTC-Related Links-What PTC Graduates Do option (See image 3.2).

Image 3.1 Image 3.2

Borders used to separate

sections

Good color contrast

Field labels separated by

spacing

Highlighted box identifies

active area

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After comparing the error communication with the Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Heuristics criteria I found that the

message meets most of its requirements. It is clearly stated and avoids overt or implied criticism of the

viewer. By providing options on how to correct the error, the user remains in control. The prompt is brief,

unambiguous, grammatically correct and avoids punctuation marks that imply strong emotions. It is easy

to comprehend and gives the user an explanation of what could be wrong. The message suggests that the

system or the user could be at fault, and without clearly stating blame, allows the user to contact a

technical professional for further analysis.

Error Notifications: Error Prevention

This aspect of the heuristics evaluation shows points out how a careful design is even better than good

error messages, which prevents a problem from occurring in the first place. Either eliminate error-prone

conditions or check for them and present users with a confirmation option before they commit to the

action.

The following analysis will to demonstrate how the MSPTC website is designed to prevent errors and

alert users of the possibility of an error. It will answer the questions: Does the Web site give enough

directions and information so that users can find desired pathways and complete desired operations? If an

error does occur, can users recover easily?

Keep in mind that because of the limitations of HTML forms, inputting information is a common source

of user errors. GUI-style widgets, coming into more common use, cut down on the errors, but must still

be double checked after submission.

ANALYSIS

Although it is difficult to assess the website for internal errors, by reviewing many of the links provided I

have concluded that the website gives enough directions and information so that users can complete

desired operations with very little error margins. When an error does occur, the user can easily navigate

the prompts and follow the directions provided to correct the error if the misstep is the user's mistake.

Section on Error Notifications was evaluated by Elisa Rivera

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Design: Visibility of system status Create MSPTC logo or brand identity to separate this site from the rest of the NJIT pages. Although

separate colors are used for the background and font, this site easily blends into the NJIT university site.

In addition, test all URLs to validate functionality.

Design: User control and freedom Create links on the Financial Aid page to easily return to the MSPTC site. In addition, test all links for

validity.

Design: Aesthetic and minimalist design Break up some of the text heavy pages, including “Why Study Professional and Technical

Communication at NJIT?” by adding in subtopics. Also, visuals can be used to represent some of the

information presented, in lieu of all text.

Content: Match between system and the real world There are no recommendations for this section.

Content: Consistency and standards “Bread crumbs” should be available on each page that open up within the site. Users should always be

able to follow their activity and take a step back if necessary. Also, spelling and punctuation should be

double checked before publication.

Content: Flexibility and efficiency of use The target of the links can make navigation and focus difficult for new users, so the targets should be

blank to allow the new information to open up in a new tab or window.

Content: Help and documentation An alternative option for users to view the videos should be offered. For example, placing a link to the

original YouTube file directly below the embedded video would be useful.

Error Notifications: Recognition Rather Than Recall Increasing the size of the text at the top section of the page will help make locating some of the menu

options less difficult. Additionally, align the picture on the upper right column of the main page with the

bottom section since it is does not give a clear distinction where one area begins and the other ends.

Error Notifications: Help Users Recognize, Diagnose, and recover from Errors Sound should be included to signal an error at the moment of selection. This would alert the user that this

link is no longer available. If the information is available, the notification will inform the user where they

can possibly go to view it rather than vaguely stating it has been moved or archived. Also, although the

notification is written to be understood by novice users, it does not provide more complex instructions for

those that are expert users. Instructions should be altered to accommodate a wider variety of users.

Error Notifications: Error Prevention There are no recommendations for this section.

[21]

SOURCES

Heuristics from Jakob Nielsen, "Heuristic Evaluation." Usability Inspection Methods. Eds. Jakob Nielsen

and Robert L. Mack. New York: Wiley, 1994, p. 30.0 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (Reprinted by

permission of John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) Web adaptations from Keith Instone, 'Usability Heuristics for the

Web.' Webreview.com 28 June 1999 and Denise D. Pieratti, 'Usability and the Web." Intercom June

1998, pp. 20-23.