COURSERA HEURISTICS EVALUATION

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

When using subtitles, text or images related to the lecture get hidden back to the subtitles. The interface should be made in such a way that if anyone turns on the subtitles it should not hide the text or any image on the screen. The transcript is not visible below the video. The transcript should be available on the right side of the video. The scroll-down option is not working on videos. A bigger scroll down should be used. This scroll down needs to be monitored on a weekly basis to check if it is working properly.  The interface does not allow saving notes for more than 15-16 seconds. The interface should provide the user the freedom to save the video of any length if he/she does not want to download the video. The editing option box is exactly the same contrast as the text background. The comment box should be of a different color. It would make it easy for the user to easily distinguish it from other available features.

DETAILED FINDINGS 

1. When using subtitles, text or images related to the lecture get hidden back to the subtitles.

System Location: Every video when subtitles are ON 

Heuristic Violated: Recognition Over Recall 

Severity Level: 4

Negative Impact: Any user might miss the important information and he/she has to turn off the subtitles.

Recommendation: Interface should be made in such a way that if anyone turns on the subtitles it should not hide the text or any image on the screen. 

2. Transcript not visible below the video 

System Location: Right below the videos 

Heuristic Violated: Aesthetic and Minimalist Design 

Severity Level: 3

Negative Impact: By not having a transcription a user cannot be sure if he/she has understood and noted key points.

Recommendation: The transcript should be available on the right side of the video. 

3. Scroll down option is not working on videos. 

System Location: Alongside videos in the modules 

Heuristic Violated: Match Between System and Real World 

Severity Level: 3

Negative Impact: It can confuse why is there a scroll bar if it is not working. 

Recommendation: A bigger scroll down should be used. This scroll down needs to be monitored at a regular interval of time to check if it is working properly.

4. The interface does not allow saving notes for more than 10 seconds. 

System Location:  Below the videos 

Heuristic Violated: Match Between System and Real World 

Severity Level: 2

Negative Impact: The user would not be able to save notes wishfully.

Recommendation: The interface should provide the user the freedom to save the video of any length if he/she does not want to download the video.

5. The editing option box is exactly of the same contrast as the text background. 

System Location: Discussion prompt 

Heuristic Violated: Consistency and Standards 

Severity Level: 1

Negative Impact: It can take more time for the user to select the edit feature as per suitability.

Recommendation: The comment box should be of a different color. It would make it easy for the user to easily distinguish it from other available features.