Usability Test of Microsoft Word and Google Docs



qwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmrtyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmqwertyuiopasdfghjklzxcvbnmUsability Test of Microsoft Word and Google DocsEnglish 317: Assignment 53/28/2013Jeremie LeeIntroduction: I have created a usability test comparing two word processing programs useful for technical writing. I compared Microsoft Word and Google Documents, considering affordances and constraints of each. Both programs offer similar capabilities and are widely used to create word documents. The most common users for these products are students and professionals. Microsoft Word is a word processing software that can be found on most windows pc's and is also downloadable for Mac users as well. This program is widely used for its ease of operation and familiarity, as it has been around for 15-20 years. Google Documents is similar to Microsoft Word, except it must be accessed through an internet connection. Google Docs also requires the user to set up an account. This usability test should help students, and professionals decide which word processing program is more suitable to their needs.Methods: The usability test was conducted by performing a list of tasks that a common user might face when creating a word document. These tasks were preformed in a quiet room on a desktop on the date of March 28, 2013. Tasks preformed are as follows: Ease of accessIn order to access Microsoft Word one must first purchase it from Microsoft if it is not already installed on your computer. Then click on the desktop icon, which will open the program up. Accessing Google Documents requires a few more steps. First you must have an internet connection, then you must create a Google Drive account. Once you have done that you click on the "create" tab to open up Google Docs.Creating new documents In Microsoft Word creating a new document is done by clicking on the windows circle located in the upper left of the program, from there you must click "new." This brings up another page asking if you would like a blank document or template. Google Docs is similar, you must click on "File" then "new." this option will allow you to choose a document, presentation, or spreadsheet.Inserting photosTo insert a photo in Microsoft Word you must click on the "insert" tab and select picture. This will bring up a window, allowing you to select any picture saved on your computer. In Google Docs you also click on the "insert" tab and select image. This does the same thing as Microsoft Word except it allows you to browse not only you computer but the internet as well.Creating tables/graphsCreating a table or graph in Microsoft Word is similar to inserting a photo. You must click on the "insert" tab, this allows you to choose table or chart. Once you click on one it will give you the option to choose a style of graph, or how many rows and columns you want in a table. In Google Docs there is a "table" tab that allows one to choose how many rows and columns you would like. I am not as familiar with Google Docs as I am with Microsoft Word but I was unable to create a graph in Google Docs.Saving filesTo save a file in Microsoft Word you simply click on the windows circle in the upper left and select save as. this allows you to save the file wherever you want within your computer, as well as naming the file. In Google Docs your file is automatically saved to your Google Drive. It is there that you can rename the file.Sharing Files In Microsoft Word you must click on the window circle, which will provide you with an option to send. You may send your file as a PDF or as a word doc in an email. The interesting thing about Google Docs is you can share your document simultaneously, and have multiple people viewing and editing a document at the same time. NavigationNavigating through editing options in both programs is very similar. There is a main toolbar located at the top of the page. In Microsoft Word you have considerably more available editing options that are divided into sub-groups, grouping like options together. This makes navigation very easy. In Google Documents navigation is also easy, except you have far less editing options.Results: Results are based on each programs affordances and constraints while performing each previously stated tasks.Ease of accessMicrosoft Word: The affordances of Microsoft Word's ease of access are that it only takes one click to open the program and start typing. An ease of access constraint with Microsoft Windows is that if it's not already installed you your computer then you must purchase Microsoft suite or by it separately. This can become a bit pricy, and then you must install it. Google Documents: Affordances of Google Docs ease of access are that you may access it on any computer, as long as you have an internet connection. This is also Google Docs constraint with regard to ease of access. If you don't have an internet connection you cannot access the program. Creating new documentsMicrosoft Word: Affordances while creating new documents in Microsoft Word are that it allows you to quickly choose a blank document or a wide range templates. I found no constraints in regards to creating a new document.Google Documents: Like Microsoft Word it has the same affordances. The only constraint I found is that you do not have the option of choosing a template in Google Docs. Inserting photosMicrosoft Word: The affordances of inserting a photo in Microsoft Word are that it only takes to clicks to open the window that allows you to select photos saved on your computer. The constraints to this is that if you want to insert a photo from the internet you must first save the photo before you can select it. Google Documents: The affordances of Google Docs ability to insert photos is that once you have selected insert photo, you are addressed with the option to browse your computer or the internet. A constraint with this is that you must upload a photo if it was saved on your computer. It's worth noting you may also insert photos into each program via copy and paste.Creating tables/graphsMicrosoft Word: Affordances of creating tables and graphs in Microsoft Word are the options. When creating a graph you are provided with a wide range of styles and customization tools. The constraint to this is that you have a lot of options and might find it hard to choose one.Google Documents: The affordances of creating tables in Google Docs is that its just as easy as Microsoft Word. The constraints are that you don't have the option to create graphs.Saving filesMicrosoft Word: The affordances of saving a file in Microsoft Word are that you can save the file in any folder you choose. The constraint is that you must actively save your documents.Google Documents: The affordances for saving a file in Google Docs is that it automatically saves your documents to your Google Drive. I found no constraints in regards to saving files in Google Docs.Sharing filesMicrosoft Word: Affordances in sharing files in Microsoft words are the fact you can attach the file in an email as a word document, or you may share it as a PDF. Constraints in sharing files is that, unlike Google Docs only one person may edit the document at a time.Google Documents: The Affordances of file sharing in Google Docs is evident. Multiple people may be editing the same document simultaneously. I see no constraints on file sharing in Google Docs.NavigationMicrosoft Word: While navigating through Microsoft Word the affordances are obvious. Having a toolbar with sub-groups of like editing tools makes it easy to quickly navigate to desired tool. Constraints are that Microsoft Word has a lot of editing options and may be overwhelming to new users. Google Documents: Google Docs has similar affordances. The toolbar is simple and well constructed. The constraints are that Google Docs does not offer near the range of editing tools.Recommendations: Upon completing this usability test I would highly recommend users choose Microsoft Word over Google Documents. Microsoft Word offers a much more broad spectrum of editing tools useful to students and professionals alike. The only advantage Google Docs has over Microsoft Word is the ability to share and edit a document with multiple people at the same time. Other than that Google Docs is basically a much simpler version of Microsoft Word. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download