Evaluate an existing system where you would propose improvements to the user interface. For example, visit the local mass transit station (e.g., the subway) and observe users purchasing tickets. If possible, interview users regarding their preferences for improvements in usability. One method to facilitate user cooperation may be to solicit fellow students or colleagues who are new to your community and have not yet taken a ride on the subway system. Plan for contextual interviews by developing questionnaires. Conduct the contextual interviews, then tabulate the results and analyze them with an eye to understanding the demographics and skills of the user community. Then follow the remaining steps outlined in this list, eventually developing storyboards and prototypes to evaluate with users

What will be an ideal response?

Consider tailoring this assignment that is doable as a team homework assignment to be completed in about one week. Ensure the students are performing in a safe environment both for their own personal safety (picture your students randomly approaching strangers at a subway station ;-) and make sure the subject are also reliable, representative users of such as system. When this author’s university chose to implement automated information kiosks on campus to help visitors and new students find their way around the campus, I chose that as a class evaluation project rather than the local subway station. We were able to perform most of the steps required in the case study above, in a safe environment where students wanted to help my students pass the class and complete the assignment. Students can develop questionnaires by taking sample questions from QUIS, but often were time-constrained and had to just develop a few, quick, poignant interview questions to capture feedback.