Buchanan Technical Doc Spring 2019

A Comparison of
University of Arizona and

Rice University websites
Caitlin Buchanan
English 317: Technical Writing
University of Idaho
2
CONTENTS
Introduction _______________________________________________________________ 3
Methodology ______________________________________________________________ 4
Test Environment _________________________________________________________ 4
Task List ________________________________________________________________ 4
Test Metrics _____________________________________________________________ 4
Results ___________________________________________________________________ 5
Task 1: Application Process _________________________________________________ 5
Task 2: Application Deadline ________________________________________________ 5
Task 3: AP Credit _________________________________________________________ 6
Task 4: Specific Major – B.S. Mathematics _____________________________________ 7
Task 5: Housing Options ___________________________________________________ 8
Task 6: Housing Rates _____________________________________________________ 8
Task 7: Meal Plan Cost/Options _____________________________________________ 9
Task 8: Tuition Cost ______________________________________________________ 10
______________________________________________________________________ 11
Task 9: Merit Scholarships _________________________________________________ 11
Task 10: Specific Club Team-Ultimate Frisbee (Women’s) ________________________ 12
Conclusion _______________________________________________________________ 13
Bibliography ______________________________________________________________ 14
Appendix: Raw Data _______________________________________________________ 15
3
INTRODUCTION
This white paper tests the usability of two college website: Rice University and
University of Arizona. Usability of websites will be based on ten specific tasks that prospective
college students, with average computer and internet skills, would be interested in.
4
METHODOLOGY
Test Environment
Usability test was performed on a Microsoft Surface Pro (2017) with Intel® Core™ i5-7300U
processor. Websites were reached using Google Chrome that ran on Windows 10 Pro with an
1809 operating system. Testing was performed, alone in a quiet room during midday.
Task List
1. Application Process
2. Application Deadline
3. AP Credit
4. Specific Major-B.S. Mathematics
5. Housing Option
6. Housing Rates
7. Meal Plan Options/Rates
8. Tuition Cost
9. Merit Scholarships
10. Specific Club-Ultimate Frisbee (Women’s)
Test Metrics
The criteria used to evaluate each task:
Effective: I was able to complete the task.

Efficient: I was able to complete the task in a few mouse clicks.
Engaging: The website aided in understanding information easily and overall user
experience.
Error Tolerant: I was able to procced to the correct task after going down a wrong path.
Easy to Learn: The website made it easy to find desired information.
Each individual task was rated on a five-point Likert scale, with 1 being strongly disagree and
5 being strongly agree.
Image 1. Example of the five-point Likert scale that was used to evaluate each website.
5
RESULTS
Task 1: Application Process
Rice University
This process was highly effective and
efficient, taking a total of two mouse clicks to find.
The webpage is user friendly and made finding
the task simple. This webpage has a table that
allows the user to click on the type of applicant
they are, see Image 2. After selecting the
appropriate option, the table displays the
corresponding process and specific deadlines.
While the webpage was easy to use it was not
visually engaging.
Image 2. The application process for Rice
University of Arizona University.
This task took me a single click, making is
highly efficient and effective. The webpage made
the process easy to understand and to engage
in. The process was broken into five blocks, see
Image 3, and upon clicking one, it would take
you to a page with additional information.
Comparison: Application Process

6
5
4
Score
3 Arizona Image 3. Application process for the University of

2 Arizona presented in a modern style.
1 Rice
0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to
Tolerant Use
Task 2: Application Deadline

Rice University
Starting on the main page, I then hovered over the
“Admission & Aid” tab and selected “Apply!” After getting
to this page I scrolled all the way down. Here was a list of
all the different application deadlines. While the webpage
was rather plain, the information was displayed in a clear
and straightforward manner, see Image 4. The webpage
was easy to navigate and there were no misleading links.
One thing that I would suggest is to make this information
higher on the page and use a different background.
Image 4. Application deadlines for Rice

University.
6
University of Arizona
The information was
easy to find, taking three
clicks from the homepage.
The process to find the
deadline was intuitive and
required no backtracking. Image 5. Various application deadlines for enrollment at the University of Arizona
Once on the “Deadline:
Freshman” page, the information Comparison: Application Deadline
was in a table at the top. The table 6
was simple, clean, and modern, see 4
Image 5. 2 Arizona
0 Rice
Task 3: AP Credit Efficient Effective Engaging Error

Tolerante
Easy to
Use
Rice University
This information was not easy to find, taking a total of twelve clicks to complete the
task. This process included several backtracks. First, trying the “Apply to Rice” page did not
yield the desired information. To find this information from the homepage requires using the
“Academics” tab. Then selecting “Academic Advising” from the drop-down menu, then using
the “Academic Planning” tab. And finally selecting the “Freshman” tab. From there, it requires
scrolling down halfway and clicking on “AP Credit.” This takes the user to a separate PDF that
lists AP credit information. The table displaying the information was very dense and was not
easy to look at given the bold text, see Image 6. I would recommend that there be links to this
information early on to be more convenient to prospective students. I would also recommend
displaying the AP credit in a table that is less harsh visually.
This process was lengthy. The task took ten clicks and
was not efficient. I had to go down several different paths and
had to backtrack twice. The website was not user friendly in
finding the information. For instance, to get to the right page the
user must use a side link, see Image 7. The desired page was
very simple, which worked well as there was a significant
amount of information to go through. The table was also light
which is beneficial to users who are looking through it
thoroughly, see Image 8. To improve, I would make a link for AP
credit more straightforward so future students can obtain this
information faster.
Image 6. These links were found

on the side of a page in my attempt
Image 7. Table of Advanced Placement credit awarded at Rice University. to find AP credit. This was the only
way I could find AP credit scores.
7
Comparison: AP Credit
6
5
4
3
2
1 Arizona
0
Rice
Image 8. Part of the AP credit table for the University of

Arizona.
Task 4: Specific Major – B.S. Mathematics

Rice University
Finding this information
took four clicks and required
no backtracking. The process
was straight forward and very
user friendly. While very
efficient, the page was
decently visually engaging but
did not add much to the
overall experience. The page
offered different tabs Image 9. Degree overview for math at Rice Univeristy. The page has multiple
displaying various information tabs that offer easy navigation for users.
regarding the major, see
Image 9.
It took three clicks to get
to this information, making it
highly efficient and effective.
Finding this information was
straightforward. The page
containing information on a
B.S. Mathematics was not very
engaging and added very little
to the overall user experience,
see Image10. Navigating the Image 10. Degree requirements and overview for a B.S. Mathematics at the
page was relatively easy to
use. If you click on any of the Comparison: Major, B.S. Mathematics
blue boxes, the page would 6
display a box with the course 4
description and requirements. Arizona
2
0 Rice
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to Use
Tolerante
8
Task 5: Housing Options

Rice University
The housing page was very
informative in explaining and
displaying the University’s unique
housing experience. The page was
easy to use and understand. The
page displayed a list of the houses
and a description of each, see
Image 11. When clicking upon a
picture, the user is taken to a page
with additional information. The Image 11. Exampe of a housing option at Rice University.
hosing page took me a total of two
clicks.
This housing page was easy to use and
navigate. On the left-hand side of the page
was a variety of filter options for the housing
options: prices, size, bathroom, room type,
location, gender, and winter housing, see
Image 12. The filter tool also provided a
convenient reset button. After selections are
made, the remaining housing options are
displayed with a picture and information
underneath. This page was very engaging and
effective. Finding this information was very
efficient, taking only two clicks form the main
page.
Comparison: Housing Options
6
4
Arizona
2
0 Rice
Image 12. Filters, on the left, for refining housing options on
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to the Univrsity of Arizona housing page.
Tolerante Use
Task 6: Housing Rates

Rice University
Finding this information was not
easy and was not efficient, user friendly,
or error tolerant. At first, I looked under
the housing page and under each
housing option page with no luck. Finding
this information only occurred when I had
moved on from this task and was looking
Image 13. Housing cost found under cost of attendence for Rice
Univeristy.
9
for the tuition cost, see Image

13. I would recommend having
this information on the housing
page.
This information took me
three clicks to find and was
straightforward. Additionally, no
backtracking occurred. The
information was broken up into
two groups, two or more rooms
per dorm and single rooms.
Under each section there were
Image 14. Screenshot of a housing price table on the Univeristy of Arizona
three tables corresponding to housing page.
the prices and the housing
Comparison: Housing Rates
options for that price. The
page was easy to 6
5
understand and engaging for 4
uses. The tables themselves 3 Arizona
were easy to read and to 2
1 Rice
understand, see Image 14. 0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to Use
Tolerante
Task 7: Meal Plan Cost/Options

Rice University
This information was not very intuitive to
find and was not user friendly. This process took
seven clicks and required backtracking. At first, I
looked under the “Admissions & Aid” tab and
then selected “Cost & Aid.” From here I could not
find anything regarding meal plans and options. I
then proceeded to the “Campus Life” tab, then
selected “Dining” and selected “Undergraduate.”
From this page I clicked on a couple different
links hoping to find a table or information on meal
plans. I ended finding this information once I
selected “Add Meal Plans/Tetra.” This link took
me directly to a page where you could purchase
a meal plan and tetra points, see Image 15.
Having the different meal plans and costs on a
subpage on the dining page would be beneficial
for prospective students as they will not have to
hunt for the information.
Image 15. Information on meal plan costs at
Rice.
This information took two clicks to find, making it very efficient to locate. From the main
page, hovering over the “Student Life” tab I selected “Dining.” Once I got to the dining
homepage, I selected the relatively small red square that said, “Meal Plans,” see Image 16.
10
This page got the information across but was not presented in an engaging way, see Image
17. To find the cost of each meal plan requires clicking on each option taking you to another
page with additional information. I would recommend having the meal plan displayed in way
that displays cost as well to let prospective students compare their options. Furthermore, I
would recommend updating the look as the it does not fit with the overall look of the University
of Arizona website.
Image 17. On the main dining pgae for University of Idaho,

meal plan options can be found when the user clicks on
the red box labeled, “Meal Plans.”
Image 16. Varios meal plan options for the University of
Arizona.
Comparison: Meal Plans/Options
6
5
4
Arizona
3
2 Rice
1
0
Tolerante Use
Task 8: Tuition Cost

Rice University
The table for tuition cost broke
down all aspects applied to the overall
cost. The table was big and quickly
displayed the information. This
information took three clicks to find
making it efficient for users.
This is formation was easy to find,
taking two clicks from the main page.
Finding this information was very intuitive. Image 18. Cost of attendence for Rice University presented in
Tuition cost was about half way down on clear and straightforward way.
the “Cost” page. The tool displaying the information was interactive, a unique feature. It asked
you to select in-state or out-of-state student and then it gave you the cost. This was a simple
and effective way to relay this information.
11
Comparison: Tuition Cost

6
5
4
Arizona
3
2 Rice
1
0
Tolerante Use
Image 19. Tuition and fees for the University of

Arizona presented in a modern fashion.
Task 9: Merit Scholarships

Rice University
The information was very easy to
find. Once on the page, the information
presented was vague and had no
information on types of scholarships or
amounts, see Image 20. While I was
able to read about who and why Rice
University awards scholarships to, the
page was not effective in completing the
Image 20. Information on how merit scholarships are award at Rice
task or engaging the user. University.
This information was straightforward to
find and took two clicks to find. To find hover
over the “Admissions” tab and selecting “Cost
& Aid.” Half way down was information about
scholarships with a link for more information.
This link had more detail information on merit
scholarships for in-state and out-of-state
students. This was presented in a logical
manner and was very informative for
prospective students. The table for merit
scholarship was very easy to use, requiring
the user to know their high school GPA and Image 21. Table for merti scholarships award to in-state
their SAT/ACT scores, see Image students at the University of Arizona.
21. The table was color-coded Comparison: Merit Scholarship
based on amount that can be 6
awarded and was visually engaging
for the user. 4
Arizona
2
Rice
0
Tolerante Use
12
Task 10: Specific Club Team-Ultimate Frisbee (Women’s)

Rice University
From the main page, I went to the “Athletics” page and then scrolled almost three-
fourths of the way down and found a list of club sports. The “Ultimate Frisbee-Women’s” link
took me to a no longer active page, see Image 22. This page asked me to click a different link
to get to their new webpage. This link did not work and required me to copy and paste the
URL into a search engine. Once on the website, the page was very informative and very
engaging. This page would have been easier to access had the link be working. Overall this
process was simple and took me four clicks to access.
Image 22. The first page the link “Ultimate Frisbee-Women’s” takes the user to. Here it asks you to follow a different
link to their new page.
This task was easy to complete, taking five clicks to get to. On the “Campus
Recreation” page, I clicked on the “Club Sports” image. This took me to a list of club teams at
the University of Arizona. There is some inconvenience on this page. There was no way to
see the complete least in one page, there was no search box, and the user must click through
each grouping before seeing the desired club (see Image 23). When I got to the right page, I
was present with all the necessary information needed in one area, requiring no additional
clicks. Despite this, the webpage was lacking visual appeal and was rather plain, see Image
24.
Image 23. Useres must click through each page in order to find their
desired club sport at the Univerisyt of Arizona. There is no complete list
to look through before hand.
Comparison: Specific ClubTeam

6
5 Image 24. Information on the women’s ultimate
frisbee team at the Unviersity of Arizona.
4
3 Arizona
2 Rice
1
0
Tolerante Use
13
CONCLUSION
Overall the University of Arizona had a superior website compared to Rice University.
The University of Arizona’s website is consistently more user friendly and engaging.
Additionally, the website for University of Arizona scored high on average for each usability
category. Features found on this website are helpful for prospective students. Rice
University’s website was often difficult to navigate in general and certain information was
nearly impossible to find.
The task that was the least intuitive was finding the housing prices for Rice University.
This is a big factor when students are selecting a college and it should be displayed more
clearly on their housing page. I was able to find this information eventually but only after
looking at the total tuition cost of attendance.
The second suggestion I have is about how meal plans are displayed for each website.
For each, I would have a table displaying all the meal options and costs. This would just make
it more convenient for prospective and current students.
The next improvement I would suggest, applies to both website and involves AP credit
information. In both cases finding this information was not efficient, taking roughly elven clicks
each. To improve this, I would have a clearer link early on so that prospective students,
especially high schoolers, will not be forced to search as much. Another aspect to improve,
mostly applying to Rice University, is how the AP credit information is displayed. This
information is displayed in a pdf that is not easy to read. Having a table that is not as harsh in
appearance and that is also built-into the website would improve the experience users have.
Overall Compariosn Score

60
50
40
Arizona
30
20 Rice
10
0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Tolerante Easy to Use
Average Scores for Individual Categories

6
4
Arizona
3
Rice
2
0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Tolerante Easy to Use
14
BIBLIOGRAPHY
https://www.arizona.edu/
http://www.rice.edu/
15
APPENDIX: RAW DATA

Tasks University of Arizona (took me 20 minutes to find Rice University (took me about 35 minutes to complete)
everything and fill out table)
Task 1 AP Credit AP Credit
Efficient I was able to complete the task in a few mouse clicks. I was able to complete the task in a few mouse clicks.
Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly Strongly Somewhat Neutral Somewhat Strongly
Disagree Disagree Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Agree Agree
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Effective I was able to successfully complete the task. I was able to successfully complete the task.
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Engaging I found the webpage easy and pleasing to use. I found the webpage easy and pleasing to use.
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Error I was able to find my way back to the correct task if I made I was able to find my way back to the correct task if I made
Tolerant a mistake relatively easily. a mistake relatively easily.
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Easy to I found the website easy to learn and intuitive to learn. I found the website easy to learn and intuitive to learn.
Learn
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Additional It took me ten clicks to get to the AP Exam credit. I went I was able to complete three different task before
Notes down a wrong path once but was able to backtrack to get completing this task, which was the first task I attempted.
onto the correct path. This took me a significant amount of To find this information, it took me about 12 clicks to get to
time to get to. and I had to backtrack a lot. I first tried the “Apply to Rice”
page as I thought the information would be there but this
lead to no success. I ended up go to the Academics tab
and the going to the advising tab. When I clicked on the
link that said AP Credit it took me to a pdf file that is boring
and hard to read. Not visually pleasing at all.
Task 2 Application Process Application Process

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
16
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Learn
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Additional I was searching for credit by examination and instead I I was looking for AP credit information and as I was
Notes found the application process. This only took me one click scrolling down I found the application process timeline.
to get to. The application process was broken up into five This took me two clicks to get to. This webpage was nice
blocks that had each step in chronological order. This was in the sense that offered you options of what type of
very visually pleasing to look and use. Each block then freshman application you were (non-international or
had a link to receive more information about that step. international, and early decision, regular, or school of
music, or questbridge) after selecting the appriopratie one
it would display the application process and deadlines for
that specific option.
Task 3 Application Deadline Application Deadline
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Learn
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Additional The application deadline was easy to find. Took three click I was looking for AP credit information and as I was
Notes to find. Webpage with information was clean and modern. scrolling down I found the deadline application
Easy to navigate, easy to understand. information. This was found of the bottom of the page for
the “Apply to Rice” page.
Task 4 Major List-Specifically Mathematics Major List-Specifically Mathematics
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
17
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Learn
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Additional Took me three clicks to get to what I was looking for. The Took me three clicks to get to the mathematics major
Notes nice things was that when you got to the major list they page( undergrad). The undergrad list was arraigned by
had a search bar and a the alphabet that directed you to individual college. Have to scroll down to find college you
major based on it’s first letter. You could also scroll down were looking for.
this list if you wanted to.
Task 5 Housing Options Housing Options
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Learn
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
18
Additional It took me two clicks to get to all the housing options Took me two clicks to find information. Informative on how
Notes offered by the university. It was a very nice page and very their housing system works. The page was simple to use
user friendly. On the left hand- side it offers a bunch of and understand. There was a list of each housing options
different filters for the housing options such as: prices, and when clicked it would take you to that housing page.
size, bathroom, room type, location, gender, and winter
housing. It also offered a rest set button, to easily restart
your search. The were also pictures of each living options
that when clicked would take you to a more in-depth
overview of that living option.
Task 6 Scholarships Types, Merit Based Financial Aid

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Learn
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Additional Three clicks to find. Very easy to understand. Very user Took me two clicks to get to. The information was not very
Notes friendly. Information presented in clean, modern fashion. informative, very vague. Did say what kind of merit
scholarships or amounts. Website was very plain.
Task 7 Club Sport- Ultimate Frisbee Club Sports Offered

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
19
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Learn
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Additional Took me three clicks to find the page for the women’s Took me three clicks to get to. When I click on the
Notes ultimate frisbee team. While the webpage gave me a lot Women’s Ultimate link it took me to a page that said “click
of information about the logistics, the page it self was just here for our new webpage.” This link did not work so I had
not visually pleasing. to copy and paste. Once I got past this the webpage was
easy to use and navigate. Very informative webpage.
Task 8 Meal Plans Options/Cost Meal Plans

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Learn
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Additional [Two clicks to find. Not very visually pleasing but gets Took me nine clicks to get to. I had to actually end up of
Notes information across. the “Add Tetra/Points” to find the information I wanted. Not
user friendly
Task 9 Housing Rates Housing Rates

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
20
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Learn
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Additional A total of three clicks to find. The website had a tables of Could not find this information explicitly. I had given up on
Notes all the different housing options with their corresponding finding this information and only found it when I was
rates. The first table was the least expense, second looking for tuition cost.
medium price range, and the third table was highest price
housing options for 2+ room options. The fourth table was
based of prices for single rooms and was organized as the
other (three tables, $-$$$)
Task 10 Tuition Cost Tuition Cost

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Learn
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Additional Took me two clicks to get find the tuition cost. The tuition This took me three clicks. The table for tuition is big and
Notes cost was about just over half of the way down on the quickly gets the information across. It broke down the
webpage. The first part was statistics about alumni and tuition cost into separate categories which was nice.
about how their education was worth the cost. The tool to
find the cost was cool. It asked you to select in state or out
of state resident and then it gave you your tuition cost.

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A Comparison of

University of Arizona and

The criteria used to evaluate each task:

Effective: I was able to complete the task.

Comparison: Application Process

3 Arizona Image 3. Application process for the University of

Task 2: Application Deadline

Image 4. Application deadlines for Rice

Task 3: AP Credit Efficient Effective Engaging Error

Image 6. These links were found

Image 8. Part of the AP credit table for the University of

Task 4: Specific Major – B.S. Mathematics

Task 5: Housing Options

Task 6: Housing Rates

for the tuition cost, see Image

Task 7: Meal Plan Cost/Options

Image 17. On the main dining pgae for University of Idaho,

Task 8: Tuition Cost

Comparison: Tuition Cost

Image 19. Tuition and fees for the University of

Task 9: Merit Scholarships

Task 10: Specific Club Team-Ultimate Frisbee (Women’s)

Comparison: Specific ClubTeam

Overall Compariosn Score

Average Scores for Individual Categories

APPENDIX: RAW DATA

Task 2 Application Process Application Process

Task 3 Application Deadline Application Deadline

Task 5 Housing Options Housing Options

Task 6 Scholarships Types, Merit Based Financial Aid

Task 7 Club Sport- Ultimate Frisbee Club Sports Offered

Task 8 Meal Plans Options/Cost Meal Plans

Task 9 Housing Rates Housing Rates

Task 10 Tuition Cost Tuition Cost

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