About the Project
Project Overview: Tests conducted from July 2006 - October 2007
Methodologies: Comparative Analysis, Informal "Guerilla" User Testing, Formal Tests
The SFX label and menu project is part of a larger goal to assess the Library's document delivery, SFX, and "Get This" functionality.
SFX is a tool provided by the University Library that creates shortcuts to the full text of online articles, as well as links to other Library services. When searching in many of the University Library databases, there will be an SFX button or link that connects one to a menu of options.
The goal for this set of tests was to determine label terminology that best fits the user's understanding of the service in preparation of redesigning the button. The menu itself was tested to better understand how the end-users use and understand it, also in preparation for a new design and added functionality.
Comparative Analysis (Aug 2006)
Eight other institutions that use a similar service were compared with UM's to see the differences in labeling choices.
Guerilla Test of SFX Label: Round 1 (Aug 2006)
Label terminology was tested to determine what best fits the user's understanding of the service in preparation for redesigning the button.
Guerilla Test of SFX Label: Round 2 (Dec 2006)
A re-design of the first SFX Label Test, with re-designed graphics for the SFX label, was informally tested. The results were again inconclusive, but narrowed down to two label choices.
Formal User Test of SFX Menu: Current (Dec 2006)
The navigation and options on the current SFX menu was formally tested in hour-long sessions with end-users.
Guerilla Test of SFX Menu: Proposed New Design (Dec 2006)
Some proposed changes to the SFX Menu were tested informally to determine placement and usage.
Guerilla Test of SFX Label: Round 3 (Jan 2007)
One final Guerilla test was conducted to get a consensus of preference of label terminology: "Get It" vs. "Find It"
MGet It Menu (SFX Menu) - Formal Test (August 2007)
The MGet It menu is used by library patrons and staff to obtain the full text of books and articles either electronically or in print.
The objective of this study was to test usability of the current prototype of the MGet It menu, which is still being worked on, and whether it might result in reduced improper ILL requests made for items already owned by the Library.
