Date: 7/10/2019

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

This report is a set of instructions for navigating the USGS Water Data website and finding the
streamflow conditions. A usability test was created to determine what areas of the original
instructions needed to be improved 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 examine a user’s ability to follow the instructions provided to
complete an activity. This test will require four individual users to access the current condition
streamflow data for any state. Depending on how well they can follow the instructions gives us
feedback on the website and information on areas of improvement.

Results
Areas of Strength
With the initial set of instructions, we received positive feedback consistently concerning the
visual presentation of the steps because many users loved the horizontal line between each step
as this shows the reader where a step begins and ends.

Areas for Improvement

The consistent feedback received by users were some fine tuning on the website. The hyperlink
being not as apparent was an issue found by users, especially the outdated screenshot of buttons
in step 1 of the original instructions therefore we needed to update the images and minimize the
amount of whitespace within the instructions.
Questionnaire
The follow-up questions are divided into two categories with a total of six questions.

Closed Ended Questions and Results

The users answered the following close-ended questions:

1. Can you pick a state?

a. Yes
b. No
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
3. HUC is the same as Station Number?
a. True
b. False

 All the users picked a state

 Only user 4 answered the second question correctly; the answer is B. User 1 did not
remember the position of the Statewide Streamflow Table. User 2 and user 3 chose A
as their answer.
 User 1 and 3 picked A as the answer to the third question while the other two users
picked B as the answer to the third question.

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?

2. How did you change the days in step 6?
3. Did you complete the activity? How was it?

 The testers found step 5 of the instructions frustrating because of cluttered text and lack
of clarity. However, there seems to be a confusion between HUC and Station Number;
the instruction was not clear on this issue. All the users except user 3 thought they found
the HUC; user 3 thought they found the station number.
 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 however it seemed separated in the picture provided.
 The participants completed the activity at different times, user 3 had the fastest time of 2
minutes 46 seconds. The users found the activity to be okay.

Recommendations
The original instructions need adjustments to the outdated pictures in steps 1,4, and 7; explore the
whitespace between each step of the instruction and simplify the words in the instructions to improve
readability.
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
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. 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.
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 5
Group the Streamflow Table by Hydrologic Unit to focus on the stations in your local
watershed. Click Go.

Step 6
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 7
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.