Usability of Web-based Knowledge Portals to Support Educational Research Organizations: A Case Study

Abstract

In this article we discuss usability of a Web-based knowledge portal that was developed to support knowledge management activities of an educational research organization. The original portal system initially experienced high levels of user participation. However, this trend has been recently reversed with flagging log-in access rates. Consequently, a criterion-based usability survey instrument was designed and implemented online to gather users' responses and comments. The survey outcomes indicated that a large number of respondents used the portal sporadically, with a significant number being completely unaware of many of its services. Based on this feedback, the existing portal was revamped to ensure more user-centric design that focused on the cornerstone aspects of user control, ease of navigation, personalization services, and classification of project listings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Information, Information Technology & Organizations is the property of Informing Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)