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The Economic Census Web site contains reference information to help users better find, understand, and use Economic Census data. In January and February 2009, the Statistical Research Division (SRD) evaluated the usability of the Economic Census Web site. The testing evaluated the success and satisfaction of nine participants with the site developed by the Economic Planning and Coordination Division (EPCD). Participants attempted to complete ten pre-determined tasks, developed specifically for this study, on the Web site. Usability testing revealed several usability problems, including prominent right navigation links that participants used often and which took them off site; an overwhelming amount of information on the main page; a non-inclusive list of definitions on the Definitions page; lack of guidance to help users find data specific to their county, and a top navigation tool that participants did not use and often overlooked. The pre-determined efficiency goal for medium level tasks was met, but the goals for the easy and hard tasks were not. This report summarizes the methods and findings of this usability evaluation. Recommendations are provided to improve the usability of the Economic Census Web site.
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