The discussions revealed many similar experiences with the website among participants such as being able to find of lots of information about New Orleans. This was an expected outcome. It was expected that the color scheme was representative of New Orleans since it used the Saints colors. This was not the case. For example, one participant perceived the website as not having a New Orleans feel. In some instances, participants did not feel that website had enough pictures. This was an unexpected outcome. As a whole; the groups attitude was attentive. The participants acknowledged that being well organized seemed to be an important value of this website. An interesting statement one participants pointed out was that the website had several ideas of what to do when visiting New Orleans. It was very problematic that the group had looked at another web site about New Orleans before this one. Too much focus was placed on comparing the websites.
Procedure
The usability evaluation of neworleansonline.com was conducted by Ilyssa N Marshall. During the usability evaluation, 5 participants, were asked to look at this site. The purpose of the group was to investigate the usability of this site. During this focus groups, participants were asked to look at this website and then were asked questions about their experience with the site. The participants responded to 5 questions related to their experiences and perceptions about the
website.
| Question | Sample Response |
| Can you summarize how you might use this site to Plan out events help you plan your trip. | Plan out events |
| What were your expectations for this website? Were they met? Why or why not? | Information, Yes, alot of information |
| What other other topics would you recommend? | More information about New Orleans History. |
| What is the most significant thing you’ve learned | There is a lot to do in New Orleans. |
| Is there anything else you would like to say | It could feel like New Orleans better. |
Location and Participants
Participants, having the following profile characteristics, evaluated neworleansonline.com in the library of the Art Institute.
GENDER
| Woman | 2 |
| Men | 3 |
| Total | 5 |
USER PROFILE
| Students | 4 |
| Professor | 1 |
| Total | 5 |
Objectives
This focus group seeked to gather the views, and feedback of users of neworleansonline.com. Another objective was to identify methods for addressing challenges users might face when using this website.
Summary of Observations
The participants felt neworleansonline.com covered a lot of information and is very well organized.
They described problems with the website as not enough pictures and not having a New Orleans feel.
Recommendations would be to change the color scheme.
