The Moodle Gradebook 

This project focused on evaluating the usability of the updated Moodle gradebook interface and implementing targeted improvements based on user research findings. The interface introduced significant changes, prompting concerns from experienced users about locating familiar features. Through usability testing and iterative design, targeted solutions were implemented to improve navigation and functionality.

Approach

To identify usability challenges, I conducted usability testing by observing faculty members performing common grading tasks, such as accessing the gradebook, entering grades, and configuring grade items. Observations focused on tasks that participants found confusing, difficult, or frustrating. Key insights guided the identification of pain points and informed design updates.

Challenges and Solutions

Incorporating real user experiences, I framed key challenges as pain points and tailored design solutions to address them directly:

1. Navigating the Interface

   • Pain Point: Faculty struggled to access the "Gradebook setup" screen due to unintuitive dropdown menu placement.

   • Solution: Redesigned dropdown menus with prominent green buttons, enlarged caret icons, and clear hover effects for better visibility and usability.

2. Adding Grade Categories

   • Pain Point: The "Add" button’s subtle design and placement made it hard to locate.

   • Solution: Enhanced button visibility with a light gray background. Tutorials were updated to guide users.

3. Accessing Grade Item Settings

   • Pain Point: Subtle icons for grade item settings were hard to find.

   • Solution: Light gray backgrounds made icons more noticeable, improving ease of use.

4. Entering Grades 

   • Pain Point: Faculty struggled to access the "Gradebook setup" screen due to unintuitive dropdown menu placement.

   • Solution: Redesigned dropdown menus with prominent green buttons, enlarged caret icons, and clear hover effects for better visibility and usability.

Improvements

Custom CSS was used to implement these updates:

• Dropdown menus were redesigned to improve visibility and navigation.

• Icons were updated with light gray backgrounds to enhance visibility.

• Tutorials were revised to address remaining usability challenges.

Conclusion

Through user-centered design, this project improved the Moodle gradebook interface by addressing user pain points and aligning the interface with faculty expectations. These enhancements demonstrate the impact of usability research on creating intuitive and efficient digital experiences.