Date: 7/10/2019

To: USGS
From: Intro to Telecommunication Group A
Subject: Website Navigation Memo

This report provides a set of instructions to navigate the USGS Water Data website and to find
the streamflow conditions. A usability test was created to determine what areas of the original
instructions needed to be improved upon or emphasized. After reviewing the feedback from the
users, an improved set of instructions were created to better accommodate future users.

Test Objectives
The objective of this test is to have four people interact with the website following the step by
step instructions provided. The test will assess the usability of the website and the time it takes to
complete the steps.

Results
Areas of Strength
With the initial set of instructions, we consistently received positive feedback from each tester.
That feedback was the presentation of the steps visually. Many users enjoyed the line separation
between each step. This shows the reader where a step begins and ends.

Areas for Improvement

The feedback received by the users informed us that the website needs to be updated. There is a
hyper link that the user needs to click on in order to get more information. Although it is in very
small font and needs to be increased to make it more noticeable. The pictures provided had
misleading steps written on them that confused the users. The white space was unorganized and
could have been rearranged to make it easier to read. These examples can be found in step 1 of
appendix A.

Questionnaire
In this questionnaire there will be 3 multiple choice and 3 open ended questions that will be
asked to the user.
Closed Ended Questions and Results

The users answered the following close-ended questions:

1. Can you pick a state?

a. Yes
b. No
 All the users picked yes
2. Where is the Statewide Streamflow Table?
a. On the left side of the page
b. On the right side of the page
c. At the bottom of the page
d. In the middle of the page
 Answer is B
3. HUC is the same as Station Number?
a. True
b. False
 Answer A

Open Ended Questions and Results

The users answered the following open-ended questions:

1. When you got to step 5, did you find your HUC?

 The testers found step 5 of the instructions frustrating because of cluttered text and lack
of clarity but were able to find the HUC.
2. How did you change the days in step 6?
 Changing the days in step 6 was slightly hard to find as the image provided on the
instruction did not match the website. On the website, the days widget combined with
other buttons on the page. It seemed separated in the picture provided.
3. Did you complete the activity? How was it?
 The participants completed the activity at different times, user 3 had the fastest time of 2
minutes 46 seconds.
 Some of the users had interaction issues with the website
 Volunteers suggested a necessary update to graphics on the instructions and
recommended more whitespace within text and grouping especially on the Statewide
Streamflow Table’s page.
Recommendations

Certain aspects of the site and the instructions could be adjusted such as whitespaces, graphical
adjustments to certain outdated pictures, and rewording the instructions to make it more accurate. The
instructions have outdated reference pictures that might be misleading and inconvenient for the user. You
can find examples of the outdated pictures in appendix A. Whitespace could have been more organized to
make it easier for the user to read.
Appendix A: Original Instructions

How do I access current conditions streamflow data?

Start at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ (this link opens in a new window).

Step 1
Click the blue Current Conditions button.

You will get a map with colored dots that indicate current streamflow conditions (high, moderate,
or low streamflows) at stream gaging stations across the nation.

Step 2
Click on your state or territory on the national map. A map will appear showing current
streamflow conditions in your state.

Step 3
Click on Statewide Streamflow Table. You will get a list of gaging stations, identified by name
and number, where streamflow is continually monitored. Also listed are current available data
from each station. These data usually include gage height, streamflow, and a value for
comparison--such as the average streamflow for that day. How do I interpret gage heights and
streamflows?
Step 4
Group the Streamflow Table by Hydrologic Unit to focus on the stations in your local
watershed. Click Go.

Step 5
Now, find your Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) or watershed name. What is a HUC? Then click on
individual station number(s) within your HUC to get data from that station.
For most stations, you will get a graph like the one below, which shows 7 days of current
condition discharge (streamflow) data and historical data (median daily streamflows) for this
station on the Cimarron River in New Mexico:

Step 6
For more data, change the default 7 days to a number up to the number of days wanted, or
enter a begin and end date, and click GO to get data. Current condition streamflow data are
available since October 1, 2007, and will include the entire period of record starting in late 2012
or early 2013. See system news for an announcement.
Appendix B: Improved Instructions

How do I access current conditions

streamflow data?
Step 1
Start at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ (this link opens in a new window).

Step 2
Click the blue Current Conditions button on the left side of the website.

Step 3
Click on your state or territory on the national map. A map will appear showing current
streamflow conditions in your state.

Step 4
Click on Statewide Streamflow Table. You will get a list of gaging stations, identified by name
and number, where streamflow is continually monitored.

Step 5
Group the Streamflow Table by Hydrologic Unit to focus on the stations in your local
watershed. Click Go.

Step 6
Find your Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) or watershed name. What is a HUC? Then click on
individual station number(s) within your HUC to get data from that station.

Step 7
Change the default 7 days to a number up to the number of days wanted, or enter a begin and
end date, and click GO to get data. See system news for an announcement.