Sharing designer and user perspectives of web site evaluation: a cross-campus collaborative learning experience

In this paper we present an online, collaborative process that facilitates usability evaluation of web sites. The online workspace consists of simple and effective proformas and computer-mediated discussion space to support usability evaluation. The system was designed and used by staff and students at two universities. Students, working in small teams, at each university, developed web sites and then evaluated the usability of web sites developed at the other university, using the results to improve their own sites. Our project evaluations show that the process provides valuable feedback on web site usability and provides students with the experience of usability evaluation from two important perspectives: those of a user and of a developer. Further, students develop important generic skills: the ability to participate in and critique computer supported cooperative work environments. Introduction Students at the University of Melbourne and the University of Canberra are involved in courses that use information technology to supplement face-to-face activities. For example, students usually attend campus-based classes and prepare for these by doing exercises or reading material provided electronically. If they miss a class they can catch up by checking online resources. They often communicate with each other and staff using email. Many students involved in computing courses have created and used online workspaces or multimedia web sites to support their group project work. A significant component of their assessable work is developed and presented online (Collings et al, 1997, 1998, 2001). 03_Coll 31/5/2002 5:27 pm Page 267