For our project (wireless router options), we have decided that we’d like to research three or four routers in a relatively narrow price range. These routers will probably be designed for home use. The intent of the research is to document the advertised features of each product, but also find the strengths and weaknesses. My plan is to check the manufacturer’s website for specs on my assigned router, as well as find related reviews and benchmark reports via various search engines.
Date: April 5, 2009
To: Jeremy Tirrell, Instructor
From: Joe Davies, Group 5
Subject: Individual Activity Report 1
This week I did my best to help the group get started on our project. During the first few days we wanted to brainstorm a few ideas for a topic, so I took a look at http://www.bitpipe.com/ and other resources to see what might be feasible. The main page gives several popular topics, and I suggested about four of them that were of interest to me.
Personally, I had never even heard of a white paper before reading about them on the course website this week. They seem like useful tools for informing the public, assuming that the author can grab the attention of the reader.
See attached files.
Usability Test – To take my usability test, please do a document markup while performing the task in the instructions. As you read through the instructions, make note of any areas that you find to be confusing or inaccurate. An easy way to make notes on my documents may be to print them to Microsoft OneNote 2007. To do this, go to File > Print. Then select “Send to OneNote 2007” as the printer. Marking the document in red text will make it easier for me to find your corrections. Also, please answer the attached survey questions.
Of the four usability tests that were introduced in the readings, I feel that a document markup will be the most effective for my project (along with feedback to a few survey questions). In case you don’t know, my instructions will include the steps necessary for creating a histogram using Microsoft Excel 2007. As with most instructions for software programs, the best way to determine the effectiveness of those instructions is to have members of your audience use them to achieve the task at hand.
Experienced User Thumbnail Paper Format: 5" x 7"
Screen Shots: Approx. 3:5 ratio
Novice User Thumbnail Paper Format: 7.5" x 9"
Screen Shots: Approx. 4:5 ratio
Does anybody else find it ironic that we’re reading about useful instructions and efficient formatting from a book with such an abstract design? Chapter 24 even stresses the importance of an effective layout in the first few sentences. When reading this book, I usually start with the narrow columns along the outer edges of the pages, but I constantly feel as though the pictures near the center are trying to draw my eyes away from the text. I’d agree that the examples are informative, but I often find myself losing my place and getting off track.
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