The purpose of this project was to create a resource website for incoming Health Information Technology (HIT) students at Leeward Community College (LCC). The website was created using WIX, a cloud-based web development service, YouTube videos, and customized Loom videos, with resources and networking links directly related to the HIT program. The site's design was based on the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning and the Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction (ARCS) Model of Motivational Design (Keller,1984). The goals were to improve the ease of use, quality of content, and navigation of the site.
This usability study involved fifteen participants (ages 18 to 85). Data was collected through pre-screening questionnaires, exit surveys, and testing. After the first two rounds of usability tests, data was analyzed and revisions to the site were made according to the participants feedback. Think-out-loud questions and exit surveys were also taken into consideration with regards to the revisions between usability rounds. The data analysis demonstrated encouraging results in the achievement of investigator’s research goals. Over 80% of the participants felt they could confidently use the site again, found the site “very easy” to navigate, and found the quality of the content to be useful. After completing the study, the success of the project’s objectives appeared to benefit the HIT program. The recommendation is to incorporate the theories and design of this site within the LCC website.
Kathleen Cashman