Sunday, April 6, 2008

Main Sections of Report

Opening Statement (Foreword & Summary)

The Foreword identifies the problem you are addressing. It also specifies the technical problem and technical tasks you performed to solve it. It should also state the rhetorical purpose of the report.

The Summary provides a smaller and more condensed version of the report, its objectives, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations. It also provides an overview of the report as a whole.

Discussion Segment (Introduction, Body, Conclusions and Recommendations)

The Introduction places the problem addressed into context and ifentifies the technical questions arising from this problem. It also identifies the rhetorical purpose of the report and previews the report's organization.

The Body employs a hierarchical structure, using substantive headings.

The Conclusion and Recommendations should summarize the main points, state the conclusions drawn from the research and offer specific recommendations.

In addition to these items, a report should also contain a letter of transmittal, title page, table of contents, list of tables and/or figures (if they are being used), references and appendices (if used). The length of the report should be as long as needs to be.

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Activity 5: Reflect on Test

What did you find was easiest about doing the usability test?
By completing the test of the instructions, I was able to not only make sure they worked, but also made sure that nothing was missing. The set of instructions (i.e. recipe instructions) were very clear and concise and I was able to follow them exactly and come out with a delicious dessert.

What did you find was missing in your test?
I did not find that anything was missing from the set of instructions. Perhaps the only thing that may have made the whole set of instructions more appealing would have been more pictures as the recipe was progressing.

What did you learn about your instructions from the test?
I learned how important it is to be clear and concise and not too verbose so the reader does not get confused. These set of instructions were not confusing at all and very easy for anyone to understand and follow.

Did you find the test valuable? Why or why not?
I found the test very valuable in that it helped me to make sure that the set of instructions worked. On paper they seemed fine but only after testing them was I able to make sure of that.

What changes did you make to your instructions after user testing them? Did the results of usability testing surprise you?
No changes were made to the set of instructions.

Comment on working collaborately? How was this similar, different, easier, more difficult than other projects you have completed on your own?
I really enjoyed working collaborately. It was a nice twist to having to work on our own. I enjoyed talking on the phone with my partner and she was very helpful. It was easier in the fact that we were both able to share the work and then put our ideas together to come out with the final piece.

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Test Report - Revised - Rebecca Besteman & Loretta Salinas

Overview of Usability Evaluation

Loretta Salinas conducted a test of the instructions on How to Make So Papilla Cheesecake Dessert on Friday, March 28 in preparation for a small dinner party for 5. The instructions were clear, easy to follow and she encountered no problems. The instructions were concise and to the point and she was able to follow them with ease. There was no need to contact Rebecca for guidance, as there were no problems with her set of instructions. Loretta said she will most definitely be using these instructions to prepare this dessert again. The outcome of the dessert was successful and a final test of their successfulness was the raving comments made by the guests. She conducted an oral survey of what they thought of it and their comments included, "delicious", "scrumptious", "awesome". A few of the guests even requested a copy of the recipe. In addition to herself, the other guests present were as follows:

Jennifer Bordenet
David Sanchez
Rebecca Salinas
Robert Salinas

Method

Loretta Salinas tested the instructions for a small dinner party. Her husband, Robert, also helped in the preparations and read the instructions to out loud. The dessert was prepared in a regular household kitchen and she started by gathering the materials/ingredients that were needed. The list was clear and to the point. No complex ingredients were needed. She then proceeded by following the instructions exactly as printed and the preparation time was approximately 15-20 minutes. The dessert then baked for an additional 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the dessert was done and then it just cooled. It was very easy to prepare, and Loretta feels this dessert can even be prepared a day before it is needed. Then, on the day it is needed, you can just bake it. I feel these instructions were definitely a success, and I will definitely be making this dessert again.

Summary of Usability Results

No problems were encountered


Plan to Address Problem


No need to have plan to address problem because we did not encounter any problems.

Test Report - Rebecca Besteman & Loretta Salinas

Overview of Usability Evaluation

Loretta Salinas conducted a test of the instructions on How to Make So Papilla Cheesecake Dessert on Friday, March 28 in preparation for a small dinner party for 5. The instructions were clear, easy to follow and she encountered no problems. The instructions were concise and to the point and she was able to follow them with ease. There was no need to contact Rebecca for guidance, as there were no problems with her set of instructions. Loretta said she will most definitely be using these instructions to prepare this dessert again. The outcome of the dessert was successful and a final test of their successfulness was the raving comments made by the guests. She conducted an oral survey of what they thought of it and their comments included, "delicious", "scrumptious", "awesome". A few of the guests even requested a copy of the recipe. In addition to herself, the other guests present were as follows:

Jennifer Bordenet
David Sanchez
Rebecca Salinas
Robert Salinas

Method

Loretta Salinas tested the instructions for a small dinner party. Her husband, Robert, also helped in the preparations and read the instructions to out loud. The dessert was prepared in a regular household kitchen and she started by gathering the materials/ingredients that were needed. The list was clear and to the point. No complex ingredients were needed. She then proceeded by following the instructions exactly as printed and the preparation time was approximately 15-20 minutes. The dessert then baked for an additional 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the dessert was done and then it just cooled. It was very easy to prepare, and Loretta feels this dessert can even be prepared a day before it is needed. Then, on the day it is needed, you can just bake it. I feel these instructions were definitely a success, and I will definitely be making this dessert again.