To: Specialist

From: Gafaru Okuneye

Date: June 1, 2023
Subject: Usability Test for an Instruction on How to Install and Download on Macintosh
Reference: Instruction on How to Install and Download on Macintosh
Action Required: Verification for Usability Testing Completion
Distribution List: Manager and Tech Support

Usability test on written Instruction: A usability test was conducted on the written instruction
for how to download and install the Google Earth Pro software application on Macintosh
computers. The initial test was conducted with participants who used the written instruction to
complete the task of installing and downloading Google Earth Pro on Macintosh computers
without any assistance. The participants were then observed during the usability test for
possible analysis in the process of completing the task and review acquisition for improving the
instruction.

The usability test forum

: The usability test forum focuses on these aspects:
 . How easily the participants can complete the instructions?
 How long it takes to complete the task and do the participants find the instruction
memorable? How useful are the images provided with the instructions?
 How frustrated or happy were the participants when completing the tasks?
 How satisfied were they after the completion of the task?
The results for the above questions were acquired by observing and asking the participants to
verbalize their thought processes during the testing.

The findings from the test forum

Findings 1: Software version confusion
During the usability testing, some participants were observed taking excess time to read and
review the last step of the first task of the instruction. The confusion is further compounded by
the image that depicts a “pop-up box” for a different software version of Macintosh than that of
the participant.
Findings 2: Unclear guidelines on instruction steps
The eligibility verification step confuses the participants who are unsure whether they should
proceed If they failed the software eligibility check. Multiple approaches for acquiring the
downloaded folder were performed by the participants askew from the specific guideline given
in the instruction.
Findings 3: Lack of image important images
Another issue observed was that the participants were slow in finding images/graphic icons on
the webpage. A participant had trouble finding the Finder icon while another participant had a
similar issue locating the Launchpad.
Findings 4: Missing instructions
Finally, there are three steps in the instruction that warrant informative notes to mitigate
confusion in the instruction.
: During the usability testing some participants were observed taking excess time to read and
review the last step of the first task of the instruction. The confusion is further compounded by
the image that depicts a “pop-up box” for a different software version of Macintosh than that of
the participant. The eligibility verification step confuses the participants who are unsure
whether they should proceed If they failed the software eligibility check. Another issue
observed was that the participants were slow in finding images/graphic icons on the webpage.
Multiple approaches for acquiring the downloaded folder were performed by the participants
askew from the specific guideline given in the instruction. A participant had trouble finding the
Finder icon while another participant had a similar issue locating the Launchpad. Finally, there
are three steps in the instruction that warrant informative notes to mitigate confusion in the
instruction.

Complementary Assessments
: Questionnaires were provided to each applicant after at completion of the usability test. A
total of five questions were asked; the summarized questions and answers are written below.
The first question asked if the instruction was helpful in which two participants stated yes
because the instruction was thorough and helpful. The last participant stated yes but found
some parts did not line up with the participant-specific software. A different question asked
how easy it was to follow the instruction. A participant responded fairly easily but got tripped
up by the lack of ample images in the instruction. A different participant cited a similar issue
and the last participant stated very easily. The fifth question asked if each step in the instruction
is pertinent. One participant stated yes because the participant used every part of the
instruction. Another participant noted that some steps could be condensed into a single step.
The last participant indicated yes because it shows the participant where and when to
download.

Solutions for the findings

: The following steps will be taken to amend the findings. An annotation will be provided to
indicate the image is specified to a specific software version of Macintosh and the participant's
“pop-up box” might differ due to different software versions. Different font colors will make it
easier for the participant to identify what icons to locate on the webpage. Informative notes
that highlight the preceding warnings or directions will be inserted before the necessary steps.
A note instructing the participants to quit the installation if they are not sure that their
Macintosh will pass the eligibility check. A Finder and Launchpad image will be provided
appropriately.

Conclusion
: It has come to my attention that some minor corrections need to be made to the instruction
after the usability test. The corrections will make it easier for participants to use and follow the
instruction.
Recommendation
: The corrections will be made based on the solutions to the findings during the usability test
and such list is introduced below. A revised instruction indicates the completion of the project
which will be sent to you for verification.
1. An annotation will be provided to indicate the image is specified to a specific software
version of Macintosh and the participant's “pop-up box” might differ due to different
software versions.
2. Different font colors will make it easier for the participant to identify what icons to locate
on the webpage.
3. Informative notes that highlight the preceding warnings or directions will be inserted
before the necessary steps.
4. A note instructing the participants to quit the installation if they are not sure that their
Macintosh will pass the eligibility check.
5. A Finder and Launchpad image will be provided appropriately.
6. A design theme will be incorporated into the instruction document.