Assessments ...

I have some thoughts around the Assignments that have been set for NED23 SP1 ...

Assessment One ...
Obviously, that is this Blog. However, the Task also calls for a sketchbook to plan, organise sketch and design pages over the course of the semester ... Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't that what the Blog is for? I take it that our blogs represent our electronic sketchbooks, rather than cutting and pasting traditional scrapbooks.

Anyway, this is my first go at a Blog so bear with me if I get a few things muddled along the - I've already learnt so much since got this up and running on Monday! Woo Hoo ... FYI, I feel Blogger from a Usability point of view is simple, clear and to the point ... Google always seem to get it right.

Assessment Two ...
OK, I only read over this late last night so I'm not really sure what direction I'll take with a Website to base my project on ... talk about pressure! If you know me, I'm usually one to change my mind a MILLION times before I'm happy with my choice ... Actually, it would solve half of my battle if there were a list of subjects / sites to choose from (I wonder if Edwin or Berlina could help out).

Other than that, I think this task is relatively straight forward, albeit I still need to write the report (YIKES) ...

Assessment Three ...
Gee ... I hate hate hate videoing myself ... Also comes with the minor problem I don't have a Video Camera to record the testings... A colleague of mine from work is a bit of a gadget techie guru so he might be the way to go (its a start at least) to find some hardware. That leads to me to my next point of testing comparative sites - See Assessment Two. Once I understand which direction I'll go in, that will be my foundation for building blocks.

Another point to note is there is no explicit instructions or guidelines on setting up a Usability Testing Environment. What are the expectations on Video Presentation - does it need to be edited before we send it off? For someone who hasn't used a Video Camera before this will be my major challenge here. My second thought is should I be creating a standard guide for all my testing subjects to follow - a set of instructions or things to look for OR do we just let them go for it? I think the later would result in little discussion on camera so if there is an agenda it may promote conversation (I'll check with Edwin on this on).

Assessment Four ...
Again, until I know where I'm heading with my project I won't give much thought to this assessment. However, on reading the task it seems like its the next phase from Assessment Two. The only thing I can mention is there really isn't much guideline around expectations for report presentation ... I've had a gander at the Hall of Fame documents, but I find it hard to follow - is this the standard Edwin & Berlina are looking for? I'll write more on this one at a later date ... First, what am I going to pursue?

Keep you posted!

(pardon the pun)