Testing Usability of the Dietary Supplement Label Database(DSLD): A Resource for Consumers, Professionals, and Researchers

Abstract

Ensure ease of navigation by clinicians, researchers, and consumers of the website. Reports of navigation difficulties can be mitigated by incorporating communication experts’ findings after observation of users into streamlined website design. The DSLD is an educational and research tool that currently contains information extracted from over 65,000 DS product labels. We evaluated the search features and easy of navigation of the current DSLD desktop application among consumers and of the mobile application (in development) among researchers, using a defined protocol involving thinking out-loud while completing tasks on the site. The sessions included eye tracking to determine how participants interacted with the layout and information design. The information on the site was well-received but the home page was not laid out efficiently, the Advanced Search function was easy to find, but the Quick Search was poorly located and needed to be moved. The search algorithm did not match user expectation, the search results table displayed poorly on the mobile site, the View Label link was poorly located on the mobile site, and clarifying information about the database was lacking and needed to be more prominently located. Changes were made after each testing and testing will continue until only minor issues arise. Usability test revealed improvement of the search and layout features of the DSLD site. Usability testing is necessary and a highly valuable for nutrition educators and others who are providing tools and resources for public use.