In today's digital age, a website is often the first point of contact between an organization and its audience. A well-designed website can effectively communicate an organization's message and provide a positive user experience. In this assignment, we will evaluate two websites, the CUNY Graduate Centre and OUM, based on their usability and user experience goals, design principles, and effectiveness. We will also identify areas for improvement in OUM's website and create a digital prototype for a new and improved design. Let's dive into the evaluation and design process to see how these websites measure up and how we can enhance their performance.

Definitions

City University of New York Graduate Center (CUNY) is a public research institution in New York City that offers advanced degrees in humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields. The Graduate Center's website serves as a primary source of information for prospective students, current students, faculty, and staff. Similar to CUNY, Open University Malaysia (OUM) on the other hand is a public university that provides distance education to students across Malaysia and Southeast Asia. OUM's website is the primary platform for delivering educational content, providing administrative services, and supporting student learning.

We are writing this evaluation report based on the following aspects:

1. Usability Goals - Usability goals are the specific objectives that a website aims to achieve in terms of ease of use, efficiency, and user satisfaction. Usability goals may include objectives such as reducing user frustration, improving navigation, or increasing accessibility.

2. User Experience Goals - User experience goals are the specific objectives that a website aims to achieve in terms of providing a positive and engaging experience for the user. User experience goals may include objectives such as increasing user engagement, improving user satisfaction, or enhancing the visual appeal of the website.

3. Design Principles - Design principles are a set of guidelines and best practices for creating visually appealing and effective websites. Design principles include elements such as typography, color, layout, imagery, and user interface design.

4. Effectiveness - Effectiveness is the extent to which a website achieves its intended goals. An effective website provides a positive user experience, meets the needs of its target audience, and achieves the organization's goals, such as increasing conversions or improving engagement.

Objective / Purpose

The objective of this assignment is to evaluate two websites, CUNY Graduate Center and OUM, based on their usability and user experience goals, design principles, and effectiveness. By conducting this evaluation, we aim to identify strengths and weaknesses in the websites and propose recommendations for improving their design and performance. The goal of this assignment is to create a digital prototype for a new and improved OUM website that provides a positive user experience and effectively meets the needs of its target audience. Through this process, we aim to develop our skills in web design, usability, and user experience evaluation, and provide valuable insights that can help improve website design and performance.

Usability Goals

Usability goals are an essential aspect of website design that focus on the ease with which users can interact with a website. Usability goals encompass a range of specific objectives that website designers and developers aim to achieve to create an effective and efficient website. Some common usability goals to be reviewed as below.

Navigation

Navigation refers to the ability of users to find the information they need on a website easily. Usability goals related to navigation include ensuring that the website is logically organized, providing clear and concise labels for links and buttons, and making it easy for users to move between pages. Navigation is a critical aspect of website design and can have a significant impact on the user experience. Effective navigation helps users quickly and easily find the information they need, while poor navigation can frustrate users and cause them to abandon the site. Navigation usability goals are critical in creating an intuitive and user-friendly website. When comparing the navigation of the CUNY Graduate Center and OUM websites, there are some notable differences.

The CUNY Graduate Center's website has a well-organized navigation system that is easy to use. The main menu is located at the top of the page, with submenus for each section of the website. The menu options are clear and descriptive, making it easy for users to find the information they need. Additionally, the website includes a search function that allows users to quickly search for specific content.

On the other hand, the OUM website has a more complex navigation system that can be challenging to use for first-time visitors. The website has a main menu located on the topside of the page, with several submenus and dropdown menus. While the menu options are descriptive, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming and confusing for users. Additionally, the search function is not prominently displayed, making it more difficult for users to find.

To further compare the navigation of CUNY Graduate Centre and OUM, I would like to highlight some additional observations. The CUNY Graduate Centre's website has a more straightforward and streamlined navigation system, with fewer menu options and submenus compared to OUM's website. This simplicity makes it easier for users to locate the information they need quickly and efficiently.

In contrast, the OUM website's main menu has a more extensive range of options, which can make it challenging for users to find the information they need. The submenus and dropdown menus add complexity to the navigation system, which can be overwhelming for some users. However, the OUM website's menu options are descriptive, providing users with a clear understanding of the content available on the website.

To improve the navigation of the OUM website, designers could consider simplifying the menu options by grouping related content together and removing any redundant or unnecessary options. They could also consider reorganizing the menu items to make it easier for users to locate the information they need. For example, they could create a separate menu for student resources, faculty resources, and alumni resources. Additionally, designers could consider using more intuitive and descriptive labels for menu items, making it easier for users to understand the content available on the website.

In conclusion, navigation is a critical aspect of website design, and effective navigation can significantly impact the user experience. While both the CUNY Graduate Centre and OUM websites have some strengths and weaknesses in terms of navigation, designers can improve the user experience by simplifying the navigation system, reorganizing the menu items, and using more intuitive and descriptive labels for menu items.

Clarity

Usability goals related to clarity aim to ensure that users can understand the content on a website quickly and easily. This includes using clear and concise language, providing clear visual cues, and avoiding clutter on the page.

Clarity is another important usability goal that can significantly impact the user experience of a website. Clarity refers to how well the website communicates its purpose and content to the user. A clear website design helps users understand what the website is about and find the information they need quickly and easily.

When comparing the clarity of the CUNY Graduate Centre and OUM websites, there are some notable differences. The CUNY Graduate Centre's website has a clear and concise design that effectively communicates its purpose and content to the user. The homepage has a clear headline that summarizes the website's purpose and main menu options that lead users to specific sections of the website. Additionally, the website has a clean and simple design, which makes it easy for users to focus on the content.

In contrast, the OUM website has a more cluttered design, which can make it challenging for users to understand its purpose and content. The homepage has several sections that are competing for the user's attention, making it difficult to identify the most important information. Additionally, the website's design includes a lot of text, which can be overwhelming for users and make it difficult to find the information they need.

To improve the clarity of the OUM website, designers could consider simplifying the homepage by reducing the amount of text and creating a clear hierarchy of information. They could also consider using more visual elements, such as images and graphics, to help users understand the content. Additionally, designers could consider using clear and concise language throughout the website, making it easier for users to understand the purpose and content.

In summary, clarity is a critical usability goal in website design, and a clear and concise design can significantly impact the user experience. While the CUNY Graduate Centre's website effectively communicates its purpose and content to the user, the OUM website's design could be improved to make it clearer and more concise. Designers can improve the clarity of the OUM website by simplifying the homepage, using more visual elements, and using clear and concise language throughout the website.

Consistency

Consistency: Usability goals related to consistency aim to create a predictable user experience across a website. This includes using consistent navigation menus, visual design elements, and page layouts.

Consistency is another essential usability goal that can significantly impact the user experience of a website. Consistency refers to how well the website maintains a consistent design and layout throughout its pages. A consistent website design helps users understand how to navigate the website and find the information they need quickly and easily.

When comparing the consistency of the CUNY Graduate Centre and OUM websites, there are some noticeable differences. The CUNY Graduate Centre's website has a consistent design and layout throughout its pages. The main menu is in the same place on every page, and the font, colours, and spacing are consistent throughout the website. This consistency makes it easy for users to navigate the website and find the information they need

In contrast, the OUM website's design and layout are less consistent. While the main menu is in the same place on every page, the font, colours, and spacing vary between different sections of the website. Additionally, some pages have a lot of text and little white space, while others have more white space and fewer text. This inconsistency can make it challenging for users to navigate the website and find the information they need. Understand that the main website is designed using Wordpress and the subsite most probably developed using other platform, but each subsite should at least inherit the same design stylesheet / cascading style sheet (CSS) from the parent website.

To improve the consistency of the OUM website, designers could consider establishing clear design guidelines and standards for the website. They could define consistent font styles, colours, and spacing throughout the website, making it easier for users to navigate and find information. Additionally, designers could consider using a consistent layout and structure for each page, making it easier for users to understand how to navigate the website.

In summary, consistency is a critical usability goal in website design, and a consistent design and layout can significantly impact the user experience. While the CUNY Graduate Centre's website effectively maintains consistency throughout its pages, the OUM website could be improved by establishing clear design guidelines and standards. Designers can improve the consistency of the OUM website by defining consistent font styles, colours, and spacing and using a consistent layout and structure for each page.

Efficiency

Efficiency is an important usability goal in website design, which refers to the ease and speed with which users can complete their tasks on the website. A website that is efficient allows users to find the information they need quickly and complete their tasks with minimal effort.

When comparing the efficiency of the CUNY Graduate Center and OUM websites, there are some differences in terms of the ease and speed with which users can complete their tasks. The CUNY Graduate Center website has a straightforward and intuitive navigation system, with a clear main menu that allows users to find the information they need quickly. The website is also well-organized, with information presented in a logical and easy-to-understand manner. Overall, the website is efficient and allows users to complete their tasks quickly and easily.

In contrast, the OUM website can be less efficient in certain areas. While the main menu is easy to find and navigate, some sections of the website can be cluttered and overwhelming. For example, the homepage has a lot of information presented in a small space, which can make it challenging for users to find what they are looking for quickly. Additionally, some pages have a lot of text and may require users to scroll through a lot of content to find the information they need.

To improve the efficiency of the OUM website, designers could consider simplifying the layout and design of the website. They could streamline the amount of information presented on each page, making it easier for users to find what they need quickly. Additionally, designers could consider adding search functionality to the website, allowing users to search for specific information without having to navigate through multiple pages.

In summary, efficiency is a critical usability goal in website design, and an efficient website can significantly impact the user experience. While the CUNY Graduate Center website is efficient and allows users to complete their tasks quickly and easily, the OUM website could be improved by simplifying the layout and design of the website and adding search functionality.

Accessibility

Accessibility is an essential usability goal in website design, ensuring that websites are usable by people with disabilities, including visual, auditory, cognitive, and physical impairments. An accessible website allows all users to access information and complete their tasks independently.

When comparing the accessibility of the CUNY Graduate Centre and OUM websites, there are some differences in terms of how accessible the websites are to users with disabilities. The CUNY Graduate Centre website has a high level of accessibility, with features such as alternative text for images, keyboard navigation, and a colour scheme that meets accessibility guidelines. Additionally, the website has a separate accessibility page that provides users with information on how to use assistive technologies and access the website's content.

In contrast, the OUM website has some accessibility issues that may make it challenging for users with disabilities to access information and complete their tasks. For example, some images on the website do not have alternative text, which can make it difficult for visually impaired users to understand the content. Additionally, some pages have complex layouts that can be challenging for users with cognitive impairments to navigate.

To improve the accessibility of the OUM website, designers could consider conducting an accessibility audit to identify areas of the website that need improvement. They could then make changes to the website's design and functionality to ensure that it meets accessibility guidelines, such as adding alternative text to images, simplifying layouts, and improving keyboard navigation.

In summary, accessibility is a critical usability goal in website design, ensuring that all users can access information and complete their tasks independently. While the CUNY Graduate Centre website has a high level of accessibility, the OUM website could be improved by addressing accessibility issues, such as adding alternative text to images and simplifying layouts.

User Experience Goals

User experience (UX) goals are focused on creating a positive experience for users while they interact with a website. These goals include factors such as user engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty. A good user experience can lead to increased user satisfaction and loyalty, which in turn can lead to increased website traffic, engagement, and conversion rates.

When comparing the user experience goals of the CUNY Graduate Center and OUM websites, there are some differences in terms of how well these websites are designed to provide a positive user experience. The CUNY Graduate Center website has a well-designed user experience, with features such as clear and concise content, user-friendly navigation, and engaging visual design. The website is designed to make it easy for users to find the information they need, and the content is presented in a way that is visually appealing and easy to read.

On the other hand, the OUM website has some issues with user experience that could be improved. For example, the website has a cluttered homepage with too much information, making it difficult for users to find what they are looking for. Additionally, some pages on the website have long blocks of text that can be challenging for users to read and understand.

To improve the user experience of the OUM website, designers could consider simplifying the homepage and removing unnecessary information. They could also break up long blocks of text into smaller, more digestible chunks, and use headings, bullet points, and other formatting techniques to make the content more visually appealing and easier to read.

In summary, user experience goals are focused on creating a positive experience for users while they interact with a website. While the CUNY Graduate Centre website has a well-designed user experience, the OUM website could be improved by addressing issues such as cluttered homepage and long blocks of text. By improving the user experience, OUM can improve user engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty, leading to increased website traffic, engagement, and conversion rates.

Design Principles

Design principles refer to the fundamental concepts and guidelines that designers follow when creating a website. These principles guide designers in making decisions about the layout, typography, colour, and other design elements that contribute to the overall look and feel of the website. There are several design principles that are commonly used in web design, including balance, contrast, unity, hierarchy, and simplicity.

When comparing the design principles of the CUNY Graduate Centre and OUM websites, there are some differences in how these principles are applied. The CUNY Graduate Centre website has a clean and modern design, with a consistent colour scheme and well-organized layout. The website makes good use of hierarchy, with important information prominently displayed and less important information presented in a way that is easy to find but doesn't overwhelm the user. The typography is clear and easy to read, and the website uses images and other visual elements to create interest and engage the user.

On the other hand, the OUM website has a more cluttered design with a less consistent colour scheme. The website could benefit from more contrast and a clearer hierarchy, as some information on the website is difficult to find or stands out too much. The typography could also be improved, as some text is too small and hard to read, and the use of visual elements is inconsistent.

To improve the design principles of the OUM website, designers could focus on creating a more consistent and unified design. This could include choosing a more cohesive colour scheme, using typography that is easier to read, and creating a clearer hierarchy that makes it easier for users to find the information they need. Additionally, designers could focus on creating a more engaging and visually interesting website by using images, videos, and other visual elements to break up the text and create interest.

In summary, design principles are fundamental concepts and guidelines that guide designers in creating a website. While the CUNY Graduate Centre website has a well-designed and consistent layout that makes good use of hierarchy, the OUM website could benefit from a more cohesive design and clearer hierarchy. By focusing on design principles, designers can create a website that is visually appealing, easy to use, and engaging for users.

Affectiveness

Effectiveness principles in web design refer to the ability of a website to achieve its intended goals and objectives. In other words, how well does the website fulfil its purpose and meet the needs of its users. There are several effectiveness principles that are essential for web design, including user-centred design, goal orientation, task orientation, feedback, and error prevention.

When comparing the effectiveness principles of the CUNY Graduate Centre and OUM websites, there are some differences in how they are applied. The CUNY Graduate Centre website is designed with the user in mind, making it easy for visitors to find the information they need quickly and efficiently. The website is also goal-oriented, with clear calls to action that encourage users to take specific actions, such as applying for a program or attending an event. Additionally, the website provides feedback to users in the form of confirmation messages and error prevention techniques, which help to reduce user frustration and increase the overall effectiveness of the site.

On the other hand, the OUM website could benefit from a more user-centred design. While the website provides a lot of information about the university and its programs, some information is difficult to find or presented in a way that is confusing for users. The website could also benefit from clearer calls to action that encourage users to take specific actions, such as applying for a program or contacting the university. Additionally, the website could provide more feedback to users in the form of confirmation messages and error prevention techniques.

To improve the effectiveness principles of the OUM website, designers could focus on creating a more user-centred design that meets the needs of its users. This could include conducting user research to better understand the needs and goals of the website's target audience, and designing the website in a way that makes it easy for users to find the information they need quickly and efficiently. Additionally, designers could focus on creating clearer calls to action that encourage users to take specific actions and providing more feedback to users in the form of confirmation messages and error prevention techniques.

In summary, effectiveness principles are essential for creating a website that achieves its intended goals and meets the needs of its users. While the CUNY Graduate Centre website is designed with the user in mind and provides clear calls to action and feedback to users, the OUM website could benefit from a more user-centred design and clearer calls to action. By focusing on effectiveness principles, designers can create a website that is more effective, efficient, and user-friendly.

Problem Space Review and Suggested Changes

Design Mock-ups

Desktop Viewed:

Mobile View:

Website Mock-Up URL

Link: https://test.lemon-web.net/CBCH4103-6
Note: This is just a sample mock-up with no active hyperlink(s) or active server pages.

Summary

In summary, this assignment aimed to evaluate the websites of CUNY Graduate Centre and OUM based on usability goals, user experience goals, design principles, and effectiveness. Both websites had their strengths and weaknesses in these aspects. CUNY had a clear and consistent design with efficient navigation, while OUM had good accessibility features. However, both websites could be improved in terms of user experience and effectiveness.

To address the shortcomings of OUM's website, a responsive HTML5 prototype was created with improved usability, user experience, design, and effectiveness. The prototype features a clear and consistent design with efficient navigation, improved accessibility, and engaging visuals.

However, I do understand that the current OUM website was designed and developed with the use of Wordpress CMS, and subsites are developed separately. One of the main issues is to bridge the design principles gap across all these subsites (OUM MyVLE, OUM FastRAC & many others) by having a standards set of design style is resources are shared among other subsites such as CSS and other design elements.

In conclusion, designing a website that meets usability goals, user experience goals, design principles, and effectiveness is a continuous process of improvement. The evaluation of CUNY and OUM websites highlighted the importance of these aspects and the need for ongoing improvements to meet users' evolving needs and expectations.