Writing Useful Reports

This lab prep exercise is to be done individually and should give you experience with the system that you will be evaluating as part of Assignment 2- Usability Study. Be sure you have read AskTog's article on How to Design Useful Reports.

Try out the system listed in Assignment 2 and identify problems with the interface. Group the problems into several high level categories.

Write a 1-2 page report including one section for each problem category that you identified. Select short, positive titles. Summarize your findings in each section in a way that frames the problem as an area for improvement and offers constructive criticism. Provide support for your suggestions for improvement if possible (e.g., cite good design principles).

Hand in 1-2 pages in class, single-spaced. Be prepared to talk about your experiences in the studio class.

© John Bowes 2013