UX testing for my partner's site

Today in class we were paired up to UX test websites of our partners. I was partnered with Michel (click here to access Michel's blog and click here to access the website I was evaluating).

As a part of my UX test I needed to fill in a form for Michel and here is the form:

 Homepage

1.  Is the homepage pleasing to look at? 

In my opinion, the homepage is a little bit messy. I think there is a good idea behind it because it looks a little bit like a lava, however the background is very busy which makes it more difficult to read the text. I also can see a little black arrow pointing down, right above the word 'Michel's' and I am not sure whether this was something that was planned, but nothing happens when I click on the arrow. 

2. Does the homepage clearly show both visually and with text what the website is about (i.e represent the students progression route?)? 

Personally I am not able to say that Michel's progression route is graphic design. It is not stated anywhere on the website. 

 3. Is there a navigation menu on the homepage? 

There is a menu bar at the top of the page. 

 4. Is the navigation menu clear and easy to use?  

Yes, I think the navigation menu is easy to use and it is fairly clear. 

 5. Are there social media links on the homepage? 

There are not any social media links on the homepage. 

 6. Do all the menu links and social links work correctly? 

All the menu links work correctly. There aren't any social media links on the homepage therefore I can't say whether they work correctly or no. 

 7. Do you have any comments or suggestions in regard to the homepage?  

Delete the feedback form from the menu, since we are not using it this term. Other than that I was wondering if you could maybe make the homepage more interesting to look at and make it clear what your progression route is. Maybe add an image? I think that would help it. 

The About & Contact Page

1. Is the About page pleasing to look at? 

I think the About page is alright. I really like the image, however once again it is difficult to read because of the busy background. 

2. Does it contain an image or design?  

The About page contains a picture. 

3. Is the about me/biography well written?  

I think you could add more information on who are you now as an artist and less about your past and where you lived. 

4. Does the about me/biography really tell you about the person and their work?   

It tells me about the person, but it does not really tell me much about their work. 

5. Do you have any suggestions on the about me page?   

If you want to leave the background as it is, maybe consider adding some sort of background just behind the text, so it is easier to read. Also look at the fonts. I think it becomes quite messy. I like the fonts in your menu, they are unique, but then in the About section, the 'About me' is in a serif font and the text is in a sans-serif font. Combining those three fonts makes it look messy. Maybe it is something to think about. 

6. Is the contact page pleasing to look at?  

Yes, I think the contact page is pretty good. I like the social media links and they work well. 

7. Does it contain an image or design? 

The page does not contain an image nor a design. 

8. Does the contact page work - test this and find out  

The contact page works. 

9. Do you have any suggestions about the contact page?  

If I were you, I make the email address, name and the message mandatory to put, so you do not get any empty messages or messages without an author. 

The Gallery Pages

1. Do all the gallery pages work? 

Yes, all the gallery pages work correctly. 

2. Is there an introduction to the work on each gallery page 

There is an introduction to the work from last term, there is not one yet for this term. I am assuming it is still in progress.  

3. Does all the work have titles   

In the new project the titles are for example 'Album logo'. I am not sure if that is the title you wanted to be displayed or was it just an indicator for you. 

4. Are the gallery pages consistent   

The page for the last term's project is very consistent and looks very good. The page for this term has not been yet created. 

5. Do the gallery pages work well and are they easy to use?  

The pages work well and they are intuitive. 

6. Can you go back and forth through the gallery pages easily?  

Yes, it is easy to navigate. 

7. Is the work displayed to show it at its best?  

Yes. 

8. What suggestions do you have about the gallery pages?    

It is a little confusing that to go on a project page I need to click on a button and I am not immediately redirected there when I click on the image. This created confusion for me. 

The Whole Site

1. Is the site consistent throughout?  

The site is consistent, however as I said, the fonts change a little bit too often in my opinion. 

2. Did you find it easy to navigate and use?  

I found it easy to navigate, however I got a little bit confused in the gallery page. 

3. Was it a good experience going through the site?  

I think the background ruined the experience for me because it was difficult to read the text on the site, but navigation is good therefore I could easily change the pages. 

4. What would you change if you could?  

I think I would change the background or I would add a plain background just behind the text so it is readable. 

5. Would you recommend this site to others? If not, why not?

It is messy, as I said so I am not sure I would recommend, however I like the portfolio page a lot.