This study examined how using a mobile device to access the online Cambridge Dictionary affects user experience, and what this revealed about effective online dictionary design and usability. It was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding projects undertaken during my MA, and represents a culmination of many of the skills cultivated throughout my studies.

 

The project is comprised of:

• a literature review on online dictionary design

• a description of the methodology used for the usability test

• a usability test conducted with five students

in the Cambridge Language Centre

• a description of findings and recommendations

• an audiovisual summary of the report.

 

The report and accompanying video are available on Google Drive.

 

Research and Writing Skills

The literature review required applying research and writing skills in a completely new subject area. Research was condensed from multiple sources into a comprehensive but concise overview of online dictionary design. This demonstrates an ability to adapt to different spheres of knowledge and identify and summarise key information.

 

The methodology section and usability test required researching usability guidelines and usability test best practice to develop authentic tasks and sound research procedures. Conducting the usability test required organisational and interview skills. Five research participants were selected from a group of volunteers and guided through authentic tasks and a questionnaire to extract practical, impartial information. Technical skills were also shown in researching and using the Lookback usability test app to record the audio and screens of the participants' test sessions.

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Analytical Skills

The findings identified common difficulty areas for the participants and recommended specific elements that needed to be optimised for mobile devices. This process required analytical skills to code and evaluate participant experiences. The final report outlined the largest obstacles to a smoother user experience on mobile devices including UI elements, log in options and advertisement placement. For more thoughts on web design and advertising, visit my blog and read this post.

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Media Production and Presentation Skills

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The findings of the report were delivered to the Cambridge Online Dictionary product manager in Cambridge University Press. The report is summarised in the video shown above and is also available on Google Drive. Strong presentation skills were required for both tasks. The findings and practical outcomes were outlined for the product manager along with a  demonstration of some of the most common difficulties. The video presentation required writing a condense script to summarise the overall project, and then recording and editing audio and video to provide an informative and pleasant overview.

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Summary

This project helped to expand my knowledge on the principles of usability and user experience, how to conduct usability research, and the difficulties of balancing user and business needs. It also provided a valuable opportunity to demonstrate many of the skills developed during my studies on a project that directly benefited my employer.