Technology
Peek Usability Test
Technology
This usability test is a good example of the “Technology” program outcome. This Usability Test, created for my MSTC “Principles of Web Authoring” course, demonstrates a “critical perspective of technology, its uses, its users, and contexts.”
For this assignment, I had to conduct a usability test on a website, identify usability issues and offer solutions. This assignment required me to identify users’ needs and ensure the website met those needs.
The project was completed by analyzing the website’s features, purposes, and uses. From there, I conducted a usability test which helped me identify which components hindered and helped the user experience. This project required me to analyze the tested website's critical perspective, its features', and how average users utilized it.
I gave tasks to participants based on the website's purpose and features I believed to be ineffective. In so doing, I tested whether the technology in question needed improvement. This required me to understand the role of technology in accessing, managing, and communicating information. For example, I had to understand how technology (the website) played a role in Peek’s ability to communicate with customers, access products, and manage information when I created tasks.
In addition, when creating the analysis of the usability test, I had to choose appropriate technologies to present the information I had found and organize it in the best way possible for the audience, which in this case it was the owners of Peek or their web designers.
This project allowed me to analyze my role as a user advocate in the context of technology. I could see and put into action the concept of championing user needs while also intertwining the needs of a business or organization. I will apply these learnings and work towards creating optimal user experience throughout my work in the future
Technology in Grant Writing Presentation
Technology
For this project, I created a presentation on how technology can be utilized in grant writing. I created this project for my TWC 543 grant writing course. This presentation is a good example of the “Technology” program outcome.
This project required me to demonstrate a critical perspective of technology, its uses, and contexts. I analyzed how technology could enhance the grant-writing process and serve grant-writing teams. I provided examples of different technology, such as videoconferencing, project management software, cloud collaboration, etc. I discussed common issues with collaborative grant writing and how technology can help teams overcome these issues.
This project also required me to choose appropriate technologies for presenting, organizing, and communicating information. Although the presentation topic was on technology, creating, designing, and presenting, the presentation required me to analyze different avenues and choose the best option. I had to find technology to screen-record a presentation and organize and design the information effectively within that screen recording.
I used a combination of Canva, PowerPoint, and Zoom to create the final presentation. I worked across platforms and combined different technology to create the best product possible. This demonstrates my ability to use various technologies for writing, editing, and designing and my flexibility in adapting to new technologies.