Abstract

Kent State University delivers its online courses via enterprise course management system software and hosts online courses for several additional institutions as part of a state-wide Ohio Learning Network initiative. In cooperation with the course management software (CMS) company, this investigation conducted a structured usability test with twelve users on a developmental version of the CMS application, “Jericho” to supplement the company’s ongoing research and development effort.

The primary goal of this research was to conduct supplemental usability testing of a prototype using a select user group. Tests were designed to investigate whether users experienced difficulties in adapting to the information architecture, interface and semantics of the prototype. The CMS company’s manager of user interface design participated as an observer during the usability tests, and implemented a number of improvements to Jericho based on significant preliminary results as this investigation was being conducted. The study recommended some changes in labeling, object placement and navigation areas to improve usability and user comprehension.