Abstract #300845

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JSM 2003 Abstract #300845
Activity Number: 297
Type: Contributed
Date/Time: Tuesday, August 5, 2003 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
Sponsor: Social Statistics Section
Abstract - #300845
Title: Card Sorting: A Usability Method to Suggest Usable Navigation Strategies for Federal Intranet and Internet Web Sites
Author(s): Erica L. Olmsted*+ and Sarabeth Rodriguez Salibi
Companies: U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Census Bureau
Address: 3815 Brighton Court, Alexandria, VA, 22305-1572,
Keywords: card sorting ; usability ; low-fidelity prototype ; information web sites
Abstract:

Information web sites of Federal statistical agencies have an abundance of information for users. Yet frequently users leave a site frustrated because they cannot find information. Previous research showed that the major usability problem for users of the Census Bureau's web site was difficulty in finding information due to poor site navigation. Based on card-sorting procedures, this study (1) identified ways that users' organize site content, (2) applied that information to design a more effective navigation strategy, and (3) evaluated the site relative to other sites not based on card-sort research. Census staff reviewed the existing site, wrote content element from the site on cards, and recruited representative users, who were asked to sort cards into piles of similar content and name the piles. Data were analyzed using clustering procedures, and results were used to restructure and reorganize site content, and layout pages. To evaluate the card-sorting method, we tested two low-fidelity prototypes of the new site design and did a usability test of the redesigned site. Test results indicated that user performance improved. We offer recommendations for incorporating user feedback in design.

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