Web usability testing with a Hispanic medically underserved population.
OBJECTIVE
Skilled website developers value usability testing to assure user needs are met. When the target audience differs substantially from the developers, it becomes essential to tailor both design and evaluation methods. In this study, researchers carried out a multifaceted usability evaluation of a website (Healthy Texas) designed for Hispanic audiences with lower computer literacy and lower health literacy.


METHODS
METHODS INCLUDED: (1) heuristic evaluation by a usability engineer, (2) remote end-user testing using WebEx software; and (3) face-to-face testing in a community center where use of the website was likely.


RESULTS
Researchers found standard usability testing methods needed to be modified to provide interpreters, increased flexibility for time on task, presence of a trusted intermediary such as a librarian, and accommodation for family members who accompanied participants. Participants offered recommendations for website redesign, including simplified language, engaging and relevant graphics, culturally relevant examples, and clear navigation.


CONCLUSIONS
User-centered design is especially important when website developers are not representative of the target audience. Failure to conduct appropriate usability testing with a representative audience can substantially reduce use and value of the website. This thorough course of usability testing identified improvements that benefit all users but become crucial when trying to reach an underserved audience.
Moore
Mary
M
Louis Calder Memorial Library, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, P.O. Box 016950, (R-950), Miami, FL 33101, USA. mmoore@med.miami.edu
Bias
Randolph G
RG
Prentice
Katherine
K
Fletcher
Robin
R
Vaughn
Terry
T
D001292:Attitude to Computers / Q000208:ethnology*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003197:Computer Literacy; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D012931:Social Environment; D013781:Texas / Q000453:epidemiology; D014584:User-Computer Interface