Working title: Neurogenesis and Exercise
Report Author: Nathan Blesse
Date: December 1, 2008

Subjects:

Two people took part in the test.  Neither of the subjects had any prior knowledge of Neurogenesis. One subject is a fellow English teacher at Yeungjin college, and the other is a kindergarten teacher at an affiliated school.

Think Aloud task

For my prototype, I chose to complete a think aloud task. I decided to record the process using Audacity and take some small notes. I went through a three step procedure with each user:

1. I instructed each user to browse the article and tell me their first impressions without reading the text. I was specifically concerned with the placement of the graphics and the over all aesthetic look of the site. 
2. I then asked that they read the article in its entirety. I wanted to observe their reactions as they read, as well as have them catch any errors or poorly worded sentences.
3. Finally, I asked for any recommendations or thoughts on how to improve the article.

Summary of Think Aloud

The results were similar with both subjects.  Because of the relatively small amount of text and graphics, the tasks were relatively easy. 

Findings/Weaknesses in the Prototype

• The first sentence in the second paragraph read, "Neurons are nerve cells and core components of the brain." This was a little offputting for one user because she felt it assumed a prior knwoledge of nerve cells that she didn't have. Interestingly, the second user didn't mention it, but when asked he said he didn't understand it either.
• The top image of the Neuron "...might look better with a shadow similar to the one on the picture of the rats at the bottom."
• One incomplete sentence.
• One repeated sentence.

Changes based on findings

• The fist sentence has been removed completely. It now reads, "Neurons are tiny cells in the brain that are responsible for transmitting and processing information."
• A drop shadow was added to the image of the Neuron.
• The incomplete sentence was removed as it wasn't pertinent to the article.
• The repeated sentence was deleted.