Evaluating A Job Search Website Redesign

Topic Description

Finding a new occupation often is a complex, long winded process. Companies typically announce vacancies on websites, and leverage online tools to organize application processes. These systems are often the first point of contact for potential applicants, and can pose a barrier for neurodivergent people (e.g., people with ADHD, dyslexia, or autistic people) depending on interface design and information presentation.

This thesis aims to compare two different versions of KIT’s Career-Service job search website: the original design and a redesign informed by a previous work thesis completed at our group. The main goals are: (1) Outline and conduct a study design to test usability and utility. For a Bachelor’s student, this will consist of an online survey only. A Master’s student will additionally work with post-survey interviews. (2) Analyze and discuss the collected data and what they may tell us about the two designs. For a Master’s thesis, this will also include a deeper discussion of the guidelines at the base of the redesign.

If multiple students are interested in the topic, the scope of the usability study can be adapted. This way, we will be able to collect a wider range of experiences with and opinions on the two designs, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the forces at play.

The thesis is expected to contribute to more inclusive job application platforms, and to improve quality of life for neurodivergent workers through finding desired employment. It is part of the Real-World Lab Accessibility, also see http://www.accessibility.kit.edu.

Task Summary

1. Design & Set up: Explore the state of the art in usability and utility evaluation, select questionnaires and a study design. Master’s students should additionally devise in-depth post-test interviews.
2. Conduct: Recruit participants and conduct the study on-premise or remotely.
3. Analyze: Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate methods. 
4. Discuss: Based on your data, discuss the design guidelines underlying the redesign (Master’s thesis only).

Skills

Required: Evaluation Methods

Beneficial: Participatory Design, Accessibility

Contact

Sabrina Burtscher