User Experience Evaluation - BBC Eyewitness Website

Frontend conducted a User Experience Evaluation of a BBC’s initiative, ‘Eyewitness’. Developed by the BBC learning division, the website explores issues behind some of the controversial news headlines in Northern Ireland. It is a resource to learn more about issues such as sectarianism, social differences, changing attitudes and community initiatives.

The Eyewitness website provides in-depth analysis of key issues, views from real people in the community and interactive elements to challenge people’s preconceptions. The site also provides learning resources for teaching citizenship in schools and for general community adult learning.

In order to determine if the website was fulfilling its objectives, the BBC wished to conduct a User Experience Evaluation with representatives of the target audience including members of the community, community workers, teachers, students and parents. The evaluation covered issues such as perceived usefulness, usability, appropriate tone/message, environmental influencers, etc.

Using our portable usability lab, Frontend conducted a series of tests with representatives of the target user group in central Belfast and in a number of schools. Testing on location allowed us to maximise the number of participants and create an environment that was as realistic as possible. All findings were documented in an Issues and Recommendations report, including possible design solutions.

The evaluation provided the BBC with valuable feedback with regard to tone, phraseology, perceived usefulness, navigation, task completion, environmental issues, etc... Feedback was generally positive and the site was well received. However, detailed analysis enabled the BBC ensure the full value of the site was communicated to the target audience and that the site was easy to use. To view the site please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/eyewitness.