Objective: The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the user experience of the University of Florida’s website and identify areas of improvement. We aim to understand how prospective students and their parents interact with the website, their challenges, and what aspects they appreciate. The findings will be used to enhance the site’s usability and improve the overall user experience.

Method: Moderate User Testing Plan for the University of Florida Website

Participants:  5 Prospect students and 5 parents.

1. Understanding the University:

Searching for information about the university.

Task: You want to find out more information about the University of Florida before you apply. What are the top 3 places you look for to assist in making a decision to shortlist this university?
Instructions: Please navigate to the areas on the website where you find this information and describe your experience along the way. Did you find anything frustrating along the way? Was there anything that stood out to you?

2. Exploring the content:

Reading and evaluating the content on the website.

Task: Choose any of the 3 pathways you took previously and take time to read a couple of paragraphs of copy.
Instructions: Describe your thoughts. Does the content give you an idea as to what the University of Florida has to offer? Does the content engage you to want to learn more about the University of Florida? What do you wish the content explained more of?

3. Degree Program Research:

Searching for a specific degree program.

Task: Think about an undergraduate major or degree program that interests you and try to find the closest match on the university website.
Instructions: How do you feel about this program/degree page? Does it convince you to find out more? Does it provide all the information you need and if not what information do you wish was provided?

4. Parents’ Perspective:

Evaluating the website from a parent’s perspective.

Task: If your parents helped you out with deciding on a university, what type of information would be important to them?
Instructions: Do you think the website effectively satisfies their concerns? Is there any additional information they would want to know? Would they want you to attend the University of Florida?

5. Admissions Information:

Navigating to the admissions page and initiating the application process.

Task: Pretend you have shortlisted the University of Florida. Navigate to the admissions page for undergraduates.
Instructions: Does this section give you enough information to start the application process? Is there any additional information you would want to know before you apply?

6. Exploring Campus Life:

Exploring information about campus and student life.

Task: Before deciding you want to attend, you want to see what campus life is like.
Instructions: Navigate to the section where you would want to learn more about the college experience. What is your initial reaction to campus and student life? What would you want to know more of? As a prospective student, what would excite you the most?

7. Overall Assessment:

Giving an overall assessment of the university based on the website.

Task: Finally, what did you think about the University of Florida?
Instructions: What are some of the unique aspects of this school? What was the most exciting part of the site that would make you want to attend? As a prospective student, would you want to attend the University of Florida?