wordpress: the road to 2.7
DESCRIPTION
This presentation outlines the design progression from WordPress 2.5 to 2.7 based on usability testing and community feedback. Originally presented at WordCamp Australia 2008TRANSCRIPT
The Road to 2.7Jane WellsAutomattic
2.5/2.6
2.7
Before and After
The Map: May
Usability Testing: WordPress 2.5
• Third Party: Ball State University’s Center for Media Design
• Usability review of WordPress 2.5
• Low-hanging fruit prototype development
• Usability testing (with eye tracking) of 2.5 and prototype
• Analyze findings, recommendations for improvement
Usability Testing: WordPress 2.5
May June July/August August September/October November
• Desktop system
• Two cameras (facial recognition, reflection of laser)
• X/Y coordinates, timecode
• Variety of outputs
Eye Tracking
• Participants rated WordPress as very easy to use despite having issues with specific elements
• Navigation structure ambiguity sometimes caused disorientation
• Dashboard not considered useful
• Excessive scrolling caused annoyance and additional work on Write screen
• Action links not always intuitive (example: commenter name to edit comment)
• Media management a sore point across the board
2.5 Test Results
Crazyhorse Prototype Development
• Select interaction model, general layout
• Identify high-priority screens
• Brainstorm new functionality
• Rapid design iteration and development
The Map: June
Usability Testing: WordPress 2.5
Crazyhorse Prototype
Development
May June July/August August September/October November
• Determine Navigation Model• Select Screens/Elements to Redesign• Wireframe/Review/Revise
Superfast Prototyping
• Left hand navigation
• Drag and drop Dashboard
• Modified screen layouts
• Increased vertical workspace
above fold
• Simplified media upload process
Result: Crazyhorse
Usability Testing: WordPress 2.5
Crazyhorse Prototype
Development
Usability Testing: Crazyhorse
May June
The Map: July/August
Usability Testing: Crazyhorse
• Participants use Crazyhorse at home
• Usability testing with eye tracking in lab
• Comparative analysis
• Presentation of results
July/August August September/October November
Crazyhorse Test Results
“I love it.” “It’s definitely better.” “It just seems to flow better.” “More organized.” “It’s more extensible.” “Easier to navigate.” “More efficient use of space.” “Seems more modern, friendlier.” “Looking forward to using some of these features on a daily basis!”
• All actions completed faster than in 2.5
• Every participant preferred Crazyhorse
Usability Testing: WordPress 2.5
Crazyhorse Prototype
Development
Usability Testing: Crazyhorse
Merge Crazyhorse with
Trunk
May June July/August August
The Map: August
Merge Crazyhorse with Trunk
• Don’t wait to improve interface
• Reduce parallel development
• Focus on user feedback
September/October November
Usability Testing: WordPress 2.5
Crazyhorse Prototype
Development
Usability Testing: Crazyhorse
Merge Crazyhorse with
Trunk
May June July/August August
The Map: September/October
WordPress 2.7 Design and Development
• Refine structure/design and feature set (wireframes)
• User surveys (navigation, features)
• New visual design
• Icon design contest
WordPress 2.7 Design and
Development
September/October November
Making Decisions
Usability Testing: WordPress 2.5
Crazyhorse Prototype
Development
Usability Testing: Crazyhorse
Merge Crazyhorse with
Trunk
May June July/August August
Usability Testing: WordPress 2.7
• Confirm improved ease of use
• Continue refining design/features
• Catalog improvements for 2.8
• Prepare for launch
WordPress 2.7 Design and
Development
September/October
Usability Testing: WordPress 2.7
November
The Map: November
WordPress 2.7