Project 3

Usability Study
Courtney Fetters
July 5, 2014
Note Taking 101
Comparison of
Evernote
and
Microsoft OneNote
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 3
Methods ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Results ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Signing up for the Application ..................................................................................................... 4
Adding a Notebook ..................................................................................................................... 5
Adding a Note to a Notebook ..................................................................................................... 7
Saving the Note ........................................................................................................................... 8
Adding a Photo to the Note ...................................................................................................... 10
Adding a Check List ................................................................................................................... 11
Sharing the Note via E-mail ...................................................................................................... 12
Deleting the Note ...................................................................................................................... 14
Syncing the Note ...................................................................................................................... 16
Searching within the Notebook ................................................................................................. 17
Recommendations ..................................................................................................................18

Introduction
This white paper includes a comparison of two different note-taking software, Evernote and
Microsoft OneNote. The evaluator tested two mobile applications because they are similar note-
taking software. These apps would be beneficial for college students due to the amount of notes
that are taken during school and because typing is faster than hand writing.
As the evaluator for this the usability test, I represent a college student who is willing to have an
alternative to using standard paper and pen.
Methods
The different tasks for the usability study were performed in a home office on July 4, 2014
between 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The equipment I used was a 16 GB IPad2 with IOS 7 operating
system. Breaks were taken every 20 minutes for about 2 minutes. During the breaks, the
evaluator thought of additional tasks that needed to be evaluated.
The ten tasks that were performed are listed below:
1. Signing up the application
2. Adding a notebook
3. Adding a note to a notebook
4. Saving the note
5. Adding a photo to a note
6. Adding a check list
7. Sharing the note via e-mail
8. Deleting a note
9. Syncing the notes
10. Searching for a note within the notebook
A Likert scale was used for the usability test. The evaluator chose a proper number (circled in
orange) on the scale for the criteria that was being processed. Below is what each number
represents on the Likert scale.

The ease of the task
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree Neither Agree Strongly
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
The task completed in a timely fashion
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Neither Agree Strongly
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Results
All ten tasks were evaluated on the Likert scale for both, Evernote and Microsoft OneNote.
Signing up for the Application
Evernote
Once the Evernote application is downloaded,
the user must sign up for an account. The user
must have a current e-mail address to create an
account. The initial sign-in was simple and fast
which the user will find it easy as well. Once
the registration is complete, Evernotes home
page will appear (Figure 1) and then the screen
shows up that the user is allowed to start their
note taking.
The task of registering for an Evernote account
was simple and easy to do. Users of all technical
skills can accomplish this task with ease. Below
is the Likert scale.

Microsoft OneNote
After opening the mobile application, it is
required to sign up with a Microsoft account. There were two options that the user can choose
from when signing in (Figure 2). I chose the organizational account and used my Vandal Mail
email credentials to establish an account, which
completed the log in. Once signed up, the user is
taken to OneNote home page (Figure 3).

Strongly
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Figure 1: Evernote home page
Figure 2: OneNote Registration
The task for registering for OneNote was more
complicated. The user must have a Microsoft
account in order to sign up for OneNote, thus,
this makes the app not as user friendly and may
limit the possibility of new users who do not
have a Microsoft account. Below is the Likert
scale.
Adding a Notebook
Evernote
The user starts at the Evernote home page, on the left panel with the second tab down which is
labeled Notebooks. The user then will need to
click on the new notebook tab on the top left
column (Figure 4). After opening a new
notebook, it is necessary to give it a title. It is a
simple task to label the notebook. All the user
needs to do is click on the blank and begin typing
the title (Figure 5).

Strongly
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Figure 3: OneNote home page
Figure 4: Opening notebook
Figure 5: Naming notebook
Figure 4: OneNote home page
The task for opening a notebook was
efficient and would be easy for the user. It
only took a couple of steps and each step
was clearly labeled making it simple to
complete an opening of a notebook. On the
left is the Likert scale for adding a notebook
in Evernote.
Microsoft OneNote
At the homepage, the first step is to create a notebook.
On the left panel, there is a notebook icon. Once the user
clicks the notebook icon, they will be able to create a
new notebook. There was an issue for me when creating
a notebook. I was not
able to be signed in
on the Vandal Mail
account. I had to sign
in with a different
Microsoft account.
Once that is
completed, the
program will take
them to the screen in
Figure 6. A name for
the notebook is necessary to continue to the next task (Figure
7).

The task of opening a new notebook on Microsoft OneNote is simple and easy to operate once
the new account was established and logged in. I think that by signing in with two different
accounts creates confusion and slows down the process. Above is the Likert scale for OneNote.

Strongly
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Figure 6: Opening a new notebook
Figure 7: Naming a notebook
Adding Note to a Notebook
Evernote
After creating a notebook, it is time to add notes.
The notebook page is clean and simple. In order
to create a note, the user must click on the plus
icon (Figure 8). Once the icon is click, Evernote
will take the user to the note and it is ready to be
used (Figure 9).

This task of adding a note in Evernote has a
clean appeal. However, when evaluating, I
found that it was difficult to know how to create
the note. The add icon is small and not clearly
visible because it is located in the upper corner.
When the note is opened, the layout is simple
and easy to read and has all the necessary tools
to type a note. Below is the Likert scale.

Strongly
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Figure 8: Making a note
Figure 9: Typing in Evernote
Microsoft OneNote
After the user creates their notebook,
the next screen that appears is the
actual note. This makes it super easy
for the user since there are no
additional steps that the user would
have to do to begin note taking
(Figure 10). OneNote has a similar
look to that of Microsoft Word, but it
has different options. One additional
feature to just typing is that with
OneNote, the user is able to type
anywhere. They just need to tap where
they want to begin typing.

The task of opening a note in OneNote was super easy. I did not have to take any additional steps
because the note pops up after creating the notebook. This step was super-fast and required no
additional tasks. The note is more sophisticated as it has additional tabs that can be opened in a
note, along with adding more pages to the original note tab. There are a variety tools to use
similar to that of Microsoft Word.

Saving the Note
Evernote
The next logical step after typing a note is to save it. For Evernote, the save tab is visible. It is in
the upper right corner of the note (Figure 11). Once the note is saved, Evernote takes the user
back to the notebook where they can create a new note or come back to the original one to
continue.

Strongly Disagree Disagree Neither Agree Strongly Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neither Agree Strongly Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Figure 10: Note in OneNote

The task of saving a note in Evernote is simple. The
save icon is clearly labeled making it visible to the user.
I find that it is nice to not have to go to another tab to
save the note. Below is the Likert scale for the task of
saving the note.

Microsoft OneNote
The saving of a users notes in OneNote is a simple task. The application is constantly syncing to
the OneDrive account that the users signed into during the Log in step. Therefore, I didnt have
to do anything to save the note. This is an efficient way to have the notes saved.
This task was unbelievably easy to do since there were no additional steps to take to save. The
automatic saving when it is syncing allows the user to not worry about saving the note. It is a
hassle-free task. Below is the Likert scale for saving with OneNote.

Strongly
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
Figure 11: Save icon for Evernote
Adding the Photo to a Note
Evernote
With the trend of taking photos, a user may want to include an
associated photo into their note. To begin, the user needs to have
their note opened and to click on the camera icon in the upper right
corner. This will enable Evernote to bring forth the camera (Figure
12), which includes different options depending on what the user
wishes to take a photo of. I decided to use the regular photo option
since that is the most versatile. Once the user is completed taking
photos, the program will place them within the note.

This task of adding a photo is clearly labeled with the camera icon. Below is the Likert scale for
adding a photo in Evernote.

Microsoft OneNote
To add a photo in Microsoft OneNote, the user needs to be in
the note. Then the user needs to click on the insert tab that is
next to the Home tab in the middle of the top of the page.
Looking at the different options within the insert tab, the
user will click on the camera icon. This will take the user to
their camera and from there they can take their photo and
insert it into the note.
This task was slower than I expected. It is similar to
Microsoft Word where the user needs to go to the insert tab to
add a photo to a document. This can slow down the user if
they are taking notes on a lecture. Below is the Likert scale
for OneNote and adding a photo.

1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
Figure 12: Taking a photo
Figure 13: Adding a photo

Adding the Check List
Evernote
A user might want to include a check
list to their note and this can be done
with Evernote. The user will bring the
keyboard up and will click on the check
box icon which is circled in blue (Figure
14). Then the check box will be added to
the note.
This task of adding check boxes is easy
as it is labeled clearly with the rest of
the tools that can alter the text of the
note writing. One thing that the user
should be aware of is that the check box
will be added where ever the user
decides to click on the icon. Below is
the Likert scale for this task.

1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Figure 14: Making a check list
Microsoft OneNote
OneNote is similar to Evernote with the way that the check box icon is clearly labeled (Figure
15). However, as the evaluator, I noticed that once I clicked on the check box icon, it created a
check box at the beginning of the writing. This is great if the user wants to make a true check list.

This task was simple and visible to the user. However, if the user does not wish to have their
check box at the beginning of what is written in the note, it may cause some concern. Below is
the Likert scale for this task.

1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
Figure 15: Adding a check box
Sharing the Note via e-mail
Evernote
For many users, like college students, there is a
need to be able to collaborate with fellow students.
Evernote is equipped with the capability of sharing
notes with others via e-mail. There are several steps
that need to occur in order to send a note. After the
user is finished with the note, they can click on the
additional icon. Additional actions will pop down
and then the user will click on the Share icon
which is the first step (Figure 16). Another window
will appear (Figure 17) and from here the user will
need to click on the Mail icon. This will pull up
the e-mail for the note to be sent.

Sharing a note via e-mail is a more complicated process
because with Evernote because the user has to go through
different windows. This could be confusing for a user who
is not used to multiple steps to accomplish one task.
Above is the Likert scale for this task.

Strongly
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
1
2
Figure 16: Sharing the note
Figure 17: E-mailing the note
Microsoft OneNote
When sharing with OneNote, the user needs to look
for the person icon in the upper right corner. This will
drop down a couple of options of how to send the note
(Figure 18). I suggest that the user click on the email
page option since this allows the recipient of the
emailed note to view it in the e-mail versus having a
link attached. Then, OneNote will bring up the e-mail
so the note can be sent.
The task of sharing the note via e-mail was easier to
complete than with Evernote. There were still several
steps to do but it had fewer windows to deal with.
Below is the evaluation on the Likert scale.

Deleting the Note
Evernote
Eventually the user may want to delete a note that they
had written. This will also keep their storage amount of
the application from getting exceedingly large. The user
will complete step one of Figure 16 then will continue
down the list and choose the last option Delete (Figure
19). After this step another window will pop up and the
user will have to select to move the note to the trash
(Figure 20).
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
2
1
Figure 18: E-mailing the note
Figure 19: Deleting the note
As the evaluator, I was confused why the note needed
to be moved to the trash when I already decided to
delete the note. The steps of this task were simple and
easy to follow but I think the Move to Trash was
unnecessary. Below is the Likert scale for deleting a
note.

Microsoft OneNote
In order to delete a note in OneNote the user
will need to look at the right side bar where
the different pages in the notebook are
organized. The user will have to slide the
current note and the delete button will show
up (Figure 21). Once the user decides to
click the delete button, there are no
additional steps.
The task of deleting is simple. All it takes is
one step and the user will have the note
deleted. It might take some time getting used
to this process if the user is not used to
sliding.
Strongly
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Figure 20: Trashing the note
Figure 21: Deleting the note
Syncing the Note
Evernote
One advantage with todays technology is the ability to
sync multiple devices together. Evernote has the ability
to sync all the users devices that have the application.
Their phone, computer and tablet can be linked together
so the user has their notes with them at all times. The
user will have to go back to the home screen of Evernote
and see the syncing icon in the upper corner (Figure 21).
Once the user clicks the button, the process will occur
and will be completed in a few seconds and the user will
be able to be access their notes on a different device.
This task is simple and is clearly marked on the home
screen. Below is the evaluation.

Microsoft OneNote
Similar to Evernote, Microsoft OneNote is able to sync several devices together. There is no
additional task to do to sync the users note. The sync is automatic and occurs frequently once
the user is makes any additional changes to their note. The sync is the same as saving the note
no additional steps are required.

The task of syncing is easy due to the fact that there is nothing to do since it is automatic. This
allows worry to diminish as the user knows they dont have any additional work to do and still
have access to their notes. For this task the, the Likert scale is above.
Strongly
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly
Disagree
Disagree
Agree
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
Figure 21: Syncing with Evernote

Searching within the Notebook
Evernote
Searching within the notebook can be useful if there are a lot of typed notes and going through
each of them is wasting time for the user. The user will need to go into their selected notebook
and click on the search icon which is a magnify glass. This is located next to the add page icon
(refer to Figure 8.) The search bar will appear and the user can type in their search parameters.
This final task is self-explanatory but can come in handy when dealing with multiple notes in a
notebook. Below is the last Likert scale for Evernote.
Microsoft OneNote
OneNote search is very similar to Evernote. The search icon is next to the sharing icon (refer to
Figure 18.) The search bar will appear for the users need. It will search the notes within the
notebook that is selected.
This final test of the study appeareded easy and straigth forward for Microsoft OneNote. Below
is the scale for the last task for this usability study.

1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
Strongly Disagree
Disagree
1 2 3 4 5
Recommendation
With the results of the usability study, I, as the evaluator, would recommend Microsoft OneNote
to the better note taking software. It allows the user to have more flexibility with their note. Yes,
the registration of the app is quite confusing but once that is completed, the rest is simplistic.
Everything is labeled clearly and will allow the user to take notes at ease without going through
different windows. Microsoft OneNote is ranked higher than Evernote over the course of the ten
different tasks that were used in this study. OneNote will accomplish any command a note taker
will need, especially those that are in academia. Below is the grand total from the Likert scales.
Evernote OneNote
The ease of
the task
37 43
The task
completed in a
timely fashion
36 46

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