Task Submission For: Heuristic Evaluation of a GNOME App
HEURISTIC EVALUATION OF A GNOME APP
Evaluator: Mercy Kalu. Task: Application Installation. Product: Ubuntu 23.10. Device: Desktop.
Introduction
On October 2023, Ubuntu 23.10, was released and codenamed "Mantic Minotaur," which delivers a compelling desktop experience built upon the latest GNOME 45. Packed with exciting features and refinements, this release is a breath of fresh air for both longtime Ubuntu users and those seeking a powerful and user-friendly Linux environment. Ubuntu is more than just an application. It’s a powerful, user-friendly operating system that unlocks a lots of possibilities. With the new Ubuntu 23.10 release and the great features that comes with GNOME 45, it is paramount to upgrade to a better improvements that makes it enjoyable with nicer user interface and most importantly makes use of the GNOME Environment right in in Ubuntu.
Product Issues Encountered
Issue 1: The Click options background color feels like an error message. As a user my first initial thought was that I have made a wrong selection. It takes an extra look to realize its same for both options.
Recommendation: Give a background color that assures the user that they are doing something right and the option is a good one.
This Violates the Heuristics Rule 4 - Consistency and Standards Rule where a user should not have to wonder if the red means same as error.
Issue 2: While Installing Ubuntu 23.10. I got this notification that my chosen username was invalid with no clear reason why it was so. No user name requirement was stated to enable a user choose a username.
Recommendation: A proper username requirement should have been stated to guild the user on the best combination to use or a proper error message should be written e.g. “This username has been taken by another user”
This violates the heuristics rule 5 - Error Prevention Rule. With a clear error message, it could have prevent the user from repeating same error or having to guise to figure things out which could leave the user frustrated.
Issue 3: I was really confused about what this icon by the bottom right does. Up until the installation process was completed, I could not figure out what I was to do with it. I felt I was missing an important aspect of the installation process. It felt wired for me as a user for the icon to be with no purpose.
Recommendation: A pop of the function of the icon when a user hovers on it would be better. That communicates to the user what the icon does and if an action is expected.
This Violates the Heuristics Rule 6 - Recognition Rather than Recall Rule
Summary
In summary, I encountered three major issues while installing the Ubuntu 23.10 software version which are as follows: 1.Wrong background colour choice of red on the option to try or Install Ubuntu screen which makes user feel like there is an error. I recommend the background colour of shade of green which denotes success should be used. 2.Unclear error message on the set up account screen. I recommend the error message should be followed with either username selection requirement or a username suggestion 3.Icon with no clear action is spotted on the installation screen. I suggest a clear message notification when a user hovers on the icon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the issues encountered during the installation process left me as a user confused at a point while installing the Ubuntu version 23.10 application software. Although I could manage to finish up the installation successfully, but it would have been faster and less confusing if the identified issues are well considered during the design of the interface. I suggest a proper valuation and consideration of the recommendations stated in this heuristic evaluation to ensure an easier and faster installation process of the Ubuntu 23.10 software.
Note: Attached here is a pfd file compilation of the error description and recommendation with screenshotsHeuristic_Evaluation.pdf and text document of this report