| This study evaluates the Bayou Bend Web site. Bayou Bend is the American decorative arts wing of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. In the spring of 1998, museum personnel and faculty and graduate students at the University of Houston began a collaborative effort to design and develop a Web site for Bayou Bend. The purpose of this evaluation is to help developers make improvements to the site and to guide future development efforts. A sample of 266 potential Bayou Bend Web site users reviewed the site and submitted an online survey designed to measure user perceptions of the design, content, and educational value of the site. Participants rated the evaluation criteria on a Likert-type rating scale (1 = strongly disagree to 4 = strongly agree). Participants reported their status (e.g., Bayou Bend docent, faculty, or K--12 teacher) and their area of subject expertise (e.g., decorative arts, social studies, or history). In addition, participants reported if they were able to access audio and video clips and a QuickTime Virtual Reality room tour. Participants also rated their level of Internet experience, comfort level using the Internet, and the likelihood that they will revisit the Bayou Bend Web site. Finally, participants submitted their comments and suggestions for improvement to the site.; Factor analysis of the survey items revealed five factors, which were named: (a) content, (b) educational value, (c) information architecture, (d) graphic design/page layout, and (e) search system. This study investigated differences in user perceptions regarding these five factors. The results of the data analysis suggest that there are statistically significant differences in these factors by (a) user group, (b) user comfort level, and (c) likelihood of a revisit. The results also suggest that participants had problems accessing the audio and video clips and virtual room tour. Open-ended comments and suggestions for improvement provide detailed information regarding user perceptions of the evaluation criteria. |
