Background
The Accreditation tools are used by its customers to collect data. This data is then evaluated by the ARS to suggest process improvement in order for the facility to obtain accreditation.
Problem
Evaluate the pages of the Accreditation tool for enhancements to improve the customer's user experience.
Heuristic Evaluation
I went through the Accreditation tools page by page and conducted a heuristic evaluation using Jakob's ten usability heuristics.
Solutions
I came up with redesigns for 4 pages to enhance the user experience within the Accreditation tools. These included the Learning Center, Baseline Submission, Supporting Documents and Electronic Health Records. Links were removed and page layouts were updated among other enhancements based on the heuristic evaluation.
Learning Center
The "Click Here" links were replaced with a side menu. The nursing credentials were put in rows and alphabetical order to make it easier for the user to locate their credentials.
Baseline Submission
Links have been added to the top of the page for the user to click and then be taken directly to that section. The number next to each link shows how much is yet to be completed for each section. Section headers were added to make it easier and quicker for the user to locate. Removed the repetitive "Click here to resolve" links.
Supporting Documents
When there are many Current Documents on the page the Upload Load a New Document function was moved very far down the page and out of view. The user then has no way of knowing they can upload new documents. Moving it to the top will mean the user always has easy access and is able to view the upload document function. The drag and drop area was increased so it was easier for the user to add the documents. The text in the old design was hard to read and on the far right side away from the button. I changed the text color and moved it to the middle so it was easier for the user to see. Added "Drag and Drop" text so the user knew that feature was available.
Electronic Health Records
Added instructions from the home page to the EHR section of the tool to make it easier for the user to recall what steps they need to take to complete the task. Adding the instructions to each section will keep the user from having to refer to the homepage for instructions.
What I Learned
I performed the heuristic evaluation to improve our customer's user experience. This is a fast and practical way to solve problems. This was the second heuristic evaluation I have performed and the first where I am currently employed. The more I conduct these evaluations the better I will be at finding flaws on sites. This will then become second nature to me.