Qualitative Feedback Notes
Introduction
This document captures qualitative feedback collected during the user testing phase of the Slate to Banner integration. Feedback was gathered from testers, including staff and students, to understand their experiences, identify usability issues, and propose actionable improvements.
Feedback Collection Methods
Survey Forms
Participants completed structured surveys after testing specific workflows.
One-on-One Interviews
Selected testers shared detailed insights during follow-up interviews.
Observation Notes
Test facilitators recorded observations during live testing sessions.
Open Feedback Forms
Testers provided free-form feedback at the end of each session.
Feedback Themes
1. User Interface (UI) and Navigation
Positive: "The layout is clean and intuitive."
Concerns:
Dropdown menus were not always responsive.
"Back" button navigation was confusing on multi-page forms.
2. Accessibility
Positive: "Keyboard navigation works well for the most part."
Concerns:
Some screen reader users struggled to interpret error messages.
Inconsistent focus indicators for form fields.
3. Error Messaging
Positive: "Helpful prompts made correcting errors easier."
Concerns:
Error messages could be more specific (e.g., "Invalid date format" vs. "Invalid entry").
Overlapping error text on mobile devices.
4. Conditional Logic
Positive: "Fields appearing dynamically based on selections felt seamless."
Concerns:
Conditional fields sometimes disappeared too quickly, causing confusion.
5. Process Flow
Positive: "The steps are logical and easy to follow."
Concerns:
Confirmation email delays created uncertainty about submission status.
Dual enrollment questions were unclear for transfer students.
Detailed Feedback by Participant Group
Staff Testers
Comment: "The administrative tools are robust but need clearer instructions."
Recommendation: Include tooltips or hover-over descriptions for admin-facing features.
Student Testers
Comment: "The form was long, but I liked that it auto-saved my progress."
Recommendation: Provide a visible progress bar for better tracking.
International Students
Comment: "The visa and residency fields were straightforward."
Recommendation: Add examples or tooltips for document upload requirements.
Part-Time Applicants
Comment: "The application didn’t ask me about my work schedule preferences."
Recommendation: Add optional questions about work schedules for part-time applicants.
Recommendations
Enhance Error Messages
Use specific, actionable language in error prompts.
Ensure error messages are compatible with screen readers.
Optimize UI for Mobile Devices
Test and adjust overlapping elements.
Ensure touch targets are appropriately sized.
Improve Accessibility
Add consistent focus indicators for all form fields.
Review and refine screen reader labels.
Streamline Process Flow
Address email delivery delays.
Clarify complex fields, such as dual enrollment and transfer questions.
Provide Feedback Mechanisms
Include an "Add Feedback" button on the application portal for live feedback.
Next Steps
Prioritize fixes based on critical concerns identified in this document.
Schedule a follow-up testing phase to validate resolved issues.
Incorporate feedback themes into ongoing development and training materials.