Eielson chosen as a test base for the AF website

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Members at Eielson Air Force Base participated in a focus group hosted by the Everett Group Sept. 3, 2010 to compile information about the Air Force website that could make the site more user friendly.

Eielson was one of three test bases to be included in the web usability test to evaluate the Air Force website www.af.mil. The goal of the survey is to combine the input from the participants at different bases to come up with changes that may need to be made.

"We help the Air Force understand how to communicate better with Airmen so that you get the correct message and understand things in a way to help you to carry out your mission," said Rob Daves, Everett Group director of National Studies.

Participants were asked questions in two separate parts to the survey. The first part included websites from the different branches of the military, and participants discussed what they liked and didn't like. During this portion of the survey they discussed what could possibly be incorporated into the Air Force website.

The second part of the survey included a device that tracks movement of a person's eyes to determine how effective the website is when the user is trying to find items on the website. After calibrating the participant's eyes using infrared imaging, they are given tasks to find items on the website equivalent to Where's Waldo. The test records the path of the participant's eyes and lets the testers know how long and where they're looking.

"By using the eye tracking device, researchers are able to record exactly where your eyes gaze on a screen and track you through a process of find-it tasks so we can take your information and combine it with all the other people who have helped us, both civilians and Airmen, and see patterns that emerge in the design of the website and work with the designers to improve the site," said Mr. Daves.

"One of the changes made last time was the search functionality. So if you searched The Airman's Creed you would get articles on the Airman's Creed but not the actual creed. This survey is aimed at making the website easier to use so there's less frustration," said Lori Everett, Everett group director of Operations.

The next step is to compile the studies and send a report to AF News based on the types of features people typically like and do not like about the current site.

The testers were looking for diversity among the chosen bases and Eielson fit their needs. Eielson was chosen because it represents those stationed overseas and has an environment that is similar because it is isolated and very far from home for most people.

"Eielson's informational needs are different and will help to complete the total spectrum we needed," said Ms. Everett.

AF.mil has been changed in the past, however, there's always room for more improvement. The focus group findings and recordings will be shared with the Public Affairs at AF News so they can see and read the results.

The AF.mil audience is wide and the site serves a variety of purposes. The changes made based on these focus groups will help make AF.mil easier for all users.