The Methods Reflection (MR) project results in a report that reflects upon the variety of methods explorations in which we have engaged over the first several weeks of the semester. The MR project is challenging because it requires you to examine your own experiences with the methods toolkit to consider how each method serves to expand your understanding of usability research.
This project requires only a final submission. Project files are submitted to a Methods Reflection folder in your shared course space on Dropbox.com.
Your submission includes the following documents:
See the Submission Guidelines for details.
Document type(s): memo, report
Document length(s): 150 words (memo), 1500 to 2000 words (report)
Project value: 200 points
Evaluation rubric: _RPW375_Eval_MethodsReflection.pdf
The MR project report discusses how you might apply each of the methods that we have explored during the toolkit-building segment of course during the course of a usability study. That study might focus on any significant information portal or space connected to the function of SVSU: the university web site (or a section of that space); SVSU Canvas; the registration system; the financial aid system, and so on.
To complete this project, you will devise and describe a comprehensive study of the usability of the system. In doing so, you will explain (although briefly) how each method in the toolkit might be implemented during that study. You determine the order of application for the methods overall. Note that you do not need to actually complete the study you describe. You need only present a feasible discussion of how it might be done.
You may complete this project on your own or in partnership with one or two others.
This report requires only minimal framing. Think of this as a thought experiment rather than as a formal proposal. The emphasis here is on demonstrating your strategic understanding of the methods we have explored during the course so far.
Your report should incorporate all of the following content and design elements.
A memo of transmittal introduces the accompanying document to its audience(s). Your memos should be addressed from your team to me, and should frame your plan submission. Your memo should incorporate the following content elements.
Note that if you work with others, your team can submit one memo. All team members should be represented in the From heading.
Read and attend carefully to these submission guidelines. Failure to do so may result in delays in receiving feedback on the draft of your project, or in points lost on the final evaluation of your project.
You/your team should create a project folder inside your shared class folder on Dropbox.com. If you submit as a team, you need only post one submission there. Remember, I can only view files that you place inside the class folder. Until your files are placed in that space, you have not in practice submitted them.
Name the folder Methods Reflection.
However, do not share the project folder with me. I will not accept that invitation to view its contents. As long as you place your project files in the folder you created and shared in response to the Week 1 discussions, you are set for the semester.
Make sure the files listed below are available to me in the project folder by the final deadline. Model your filenames on the listed examples:
Note. Do not share the individual files with me. By placing them in your project folder, you have already shared them by default.
This section describes the standards by which your draft and final submissions will be evaluated.
There are 200 possible points for the final project. You will earn points according to the standard described on the policies page (50% content development, 25% design execution, and 25% professionalism & attention to detail (see Policies). The specific areas of emphasis for this project are drawn from the description and discussion of the project, and are detailed in the evaluation rubric (_RPW375_Eval_MethodsReflection.pdf).
Remember that I will only post the point values for projects on the Grades page in SVSU Canvas. I will post the details relevant to that evaluation in your class folder in a project-specific file.
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