Project 4
Project 4
Project 4
Slides
Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3
Methodology .................................................................................................................................. 3
Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 16
Introduction
Microsoft PowerPoint and Google Slides are popular slide show presentation programs. This
document presents the results from a usability test that compared how well these programs
performed in ten specific tasks. These tasks are some skills that a first-time user would learn or
need when designing a presentation in these applications. Microsoft PowerPoint is available to
download as an app on an individual’s phone or computer. Google Slides is a similar program to
PowerPoint and is accessible online to users with a Gmail account.
Methodology
Test Environment
This usability test was conducted on an Acer Aspire E5-575 laptop using Windows 10 (Build
17134). Testing for Microsoft PowerPoint occurred using Version 1905 (Build 11629.20214).
Google Slides was tested on Google Chrome Version 74.0.3729.169.
To test the programs one after another both were placed side by side with excel open underneath
to record scores and comments. New presentations were created for both Microsoft PowerPoint
and Google Slides. To reduce risk of distractions, this usability test was conducted in a room
containing no other individuals. Each task was done one after another, first on Microsoft
PowerPoint, then on Google Slides. Results were written immediately after each task was
completed.
Tasks
Ten tasks were performed in both slide show presentation programs. These tasks are as follows:
Evaluative Criteria
Rating Scale
Each criterion was rated using a Likert Scale where a higher number represents a better
performance, while a lower number represents a lower performance. I used a four-point scale to
minimize the risk of choosing the neutral option. This is seen in the table below:
Results
Table 2 provides a ratings Figure 2: Google Slides New Slide Creation; Figure 3: Google Slides New Slide
overview of the programs. Both Option 1 Creation; Option 2
Microsoft PowerPoint and
Google Slides were given fours for efficiency,
New Slide
effectiveness, and easy to learn. Both programs 5
provided this feature in easy places to find, learn, 4
and took minimal time to complete. 3
2
1
Google Slides received a higher score in
0
engagement due to have more places users can Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to Learn
go to add new slides to their presentation. Tolerant
Microsoft PowerPoint provides many themes users can apply to their presentation. This task is
easily found in the Design tab located on the toolbar. Users are also able to preview what each
theme looks like before choosing the one they want for their presentation. This task is shown in
Figure 6.
In Google Slides, the option to change slide themes is available on the toolbar near other slide
edits options. After clicking this tool, users are shown a section to the right where they can scroll
through and see the different designs. Google Slides also provides previews of the themes
available. This task is shown in Figure 7.
Microsoft PowerPoint provides multiple charts for users to choose between. After going into the
Insert tab on the toolbar and clicking chart, a popup box containing all the chart designs shows
up. From here, users can choose which chart and style they want to place into their presentation.
The left column on the popup box states the names and shows a preview of the chart styles. Once
selecting the chart needed, it is uploaded onto the slide. This task is shown in Figure 8.
Google slides has fewer options to choose from when selecting the type of chart. This program
only provides four types, shown in Figure 9. While the options are minimal on this website, it is
organized and easy to find.
Microsoft PowerPoint gives users many transitions to choose to apply to a slide. These
transitions are shown in Figure 10. After choosing a transition, individuals are then able to
preview this option, which is provided on the left side of the options. Once selected, users then
can apply it to one or all slides.
Google Slides gives users fewer options to choose when choosing which transition they want to
apply to a slide. This program however provides this option on the toolbar, instead of in one of
the tabs. After clicking this option, a popup screen shows up on the right. From there, users can
choose which transition they want for a slide. This task is shown in Figure 11.
Microsoft PowerPoint had many design options for creating borders. This program provides
previews of the designs for viewers to go through. These designs are shown in Figure 14. By
formatting it this way, it adds color to the elements and enhances the users experience.
Google Slides border design was organized and easy to find. All elements needed to create a
border are located in the same drop-down menu. By clicking on the format tab, you can find the
option to create borders. This task is shown in Figure 15.
Figure 14: Microsoft PowerPoint border design Figure 15: Google Slides border design
When evaluating each program, several factors were considered. Both programs received high
scores in efficiency, effectiveness, and
error tolerance. Border Design
5
Microsoft PowerPoint received a low 4
score in engaging and easy to learn 3
because the program didn’t specify that 2
this tool is used to create borders. 1
Without knowing this, it can be difficult 0
Efficient Effective Engaging Error Easy to Learn
for first time users to complete this task Tolerant
without seeking outside help. The scoring
of the two programs is shown in Table 8. Microsoft PowerPoint Google Slides
Table 6: Border design
Pennisi 12
Microsoft PowerPoint had more options available to insert slide numbers. Figure 16 shows a
popup screen appear after clicking on slide number. From here, users have the option of adding a
slide number, or the date and time. This give multiple options to choose from when deciding
which one is needed for the presentation.
Google Slides only had one option available when adding slide numbers. This option is available
in the insert tab. Figure 17 shows the popup window that appears after clicking on slide numbers.
This feature gives users a limited option when choosing the type of slide number they want.
Microsoft PowerPoint offers two ways users can add and delete comments. These two options
are found in the insert and review tab shown in Figure 18. The comment option in the review tab
also provides a way to delete comments and move from one comment to the next.
Google Slides only offers one way to add and delete comments. Users can insert comments by
clicking the comment icon next to the present presentation button. After that, a bubble pops up
where individuals can comment. To edit or delete a comment, users just click the three dots next
to the resolve button. This is shown in Figure 19.
Microsoft PowerPoint had options to change the font size, design, and color. All options are
found on the home tab. These options are colorful and have different designs that are helpful for
viewers to know which choice to
choose from. This task is shown
in Figure 20.
Google Slides also had options to change the font size, design, and color. The difference for this
program is that there are no colors added to the options. It does include designs though to help
users know the difference between the choices. This task is shown in Figure 21.
Bibliography
https://www.google.com/slides/about/
Tasks Microsoft PowerPoint Google Slides
Pennisi 17
Efficient The amount of time to perform task was minimal. The amount of time to perform task was minimal.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Effective I was able to complete this task. I was able to complete this task.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Engaging The options available for creating and formatting a The options available for creating and formatting a
presentation enhanced the users experience. presentation enhanced the users experience.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Error Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without
Tolerant having to restart. having to restart.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Easy to The task was easy to find and easy to learn. The task was easy to find and easy to learn.
Learn
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Additional Was able to change layout of the slide. Was able to change the layout of the slide in two
Notes Completed task in two clicks. clicks.
Organized in same section as the new slides option. Tool is found on the toolbar and also shows a preview
Designed so users can see all options before of the different layout’s users can choose. Provides a
selecting the layout they want for the slide. couple different layout options from PowerPoint.
Any errors made in choosing the wrong slide can be Any errors can be fixed by choosing another layout
fixed by choosing a different layout or the undo design or the undo button.
button. This tool is very intuitive for first time users.
Easy for users to find and learn how to use.
Tasks Microsoft PowerPoint Google Slides
TASK 3 Adding a theme to the slides Adding a theme to the slides
Efficient The amount of time to perform task was minimal. The amount of time to perform task was minimal.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Pennisi 19
Efficient The amount of time to perform task was minimal. The amount of time to perform task was minimal.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Effective I was able to complete this task. I was able to complete this task.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Engaging The options available for creating and formatting a The options available for creating and formatting a
presentation enhanced the users experience. presentation enhanced the users experience.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Error Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without
Tolerant having to restart. having to restart.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Easy to The task was easy to find and easy to learn. The task was easy to find and easy to learn.
Learn
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Additional Was able to insert a chart into the slide. Able to insert chart into the slide.
Notes Able to complete task in three clicks. Took more time Complete task in two clicks.
when choosing the type and style of the chart. Only gives users four options of charts to choose
Gives users multiple options of charts to choose from. from. While minimal in options, it’s organized and
Organized so it’s easy for the user to find a chart that easy to find for users. Also offers an easy way to resize
works for them. Program also offers an easy way to the chart. Since data is spread out, this does lower
users to resize the chart. the number due to users having to use two programs
Easy to delete chart by clicking on it and hitting the at the same time.
delete key on keyboard. Can also use the undo Easy to delete chart by clicking on it and hitting the
button to fix any mistakes made. delete key on keyboard. Can also use the undo
Easy to insert the chart and change its design. Might button.
take some time to learn to edit any data that’s been Easy to insert chart and change its design. Can’t edit
inserted. data on Google Slides, users have to import the
information from Google Spreadsheets.
Tasks Microsoft PowerPoint Google Slides
TASK 5 Adding slide transitions Adding slide transitions
Pennisi 21
Efficient The amount of time to perform task was minimal. [Add criteria statement]
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Effective I was able to complete this task. I was able to complete this task.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Engaging The options available for creating and formatting a The options available for creating and formatting a
presentation enhanced the users experience. presentation enhanced the users experience.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Error Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without
Tolerant having to restart. having to restart.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Easy to Task was easy to find and easy to learn. The task was easy to find and easy to learn.
Learn
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Additional Was able to add a transition to a slide. Was able to add a transition to a slide.
Notes Took two clicks to complete task. More if scrolling Took two clicks to complete task. More if looking at
through all transition effect options. all the transition effect options.
The ability to preview all the transition effects before
choosing one enhanced my experience when using Had minimal options available. All options were basic
this option. transition effects, not adding any enhancement to
Was easy to correct using the undo button or by user’s experience.
changing to a different effect. Easy to fix using the undo button or clicking the no
Easy task to learn how to use. transition.
Easy to learn and use by users.
Tasks Microsoft PowerPoint Google Slides
TASK 6 Inserting and formatting an image Inserting and formatting an image
Efficient The amount of time to perform task was minimal. The amount of time to perform task was minimal.
Pennisi 22
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Effective I was able to complete this task. I was able to complete this task.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Engaging The options available for creating and formatting a The options available for creating and formatting a
presentation enhanced the users experience. presentation enhanced the users experience.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Error Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without
Tolerant having to restart. having to restart.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Easy to The task was easy to find and easy to learn. The task was easy to find and easy to learn.
Learn
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Additional Adding and designing a border was successful. Adding and designing a border was successful.
Notes Took one to two clicks to create a border. Takes Task was completed in two to three clicks. Can take
three or more clicks to edit, depending on what more depending on the design user wants.
design you want. Tool is organized and found in one spot. This
Tool is organized and provides multiple options for organization can enhance users experience
user to choose from. User is able to preview the because they don’t have to search for design tools
designs before selecting one. One problem is that it to create borders.
doesn’t specifically say border design. Individuals Any errors made were easily corrected by the undo
have to look for the options in PowerPoint. button.
Any errors made can be fixed using the undo button. Task was in one place, easy to find and use.
This task is easy to learn and complete for first time
users. Everything needed to do this task is easy to
locate in PowerPoint.
Tasks Microsoft PowerPoint Google Slides
TASK 8 Slide numbers Slide numbers
Pennisi 24
Efficient The amount of time to perform task was minimal. The amount of time to perform task was minimal.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Effective I was able to complete this task. I was able to complete this task.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Engaging The options available for creating and formatting a The options available for creating and formatting a
presentation enhanced the users experience. presentation enhanced the users experience.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Error Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without
Tolerant having to restart. having to restart.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Easy to The task was easy to find and easy to learn. The task was easy to find and easy to learn.
Learn
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Additional Able to number slides or include the date in each Was able to insert numbers onto the slides.
Notes slide. Take takes three to four clicks to complete.
Able to complete this task in two clicks. Minimal in options for users to choose from. No option
Menu was easy to navigate and to select which for inserting dates on slides provided.
option I wanted included in my slides. Any errors made can be deleted by clicking the turn
Any errors made could be changed by going back off option available.
into the slide numbers selection toolbar and Easy for users to learn because there it only provides
deselecting options chosen. one option to choose from. Difficult if user wants to
Task is easy for users to learn and use. Provided add more than page numbers.
multiple options for individuals to choose from.
Tasks Microsoft PowerPoint Google Slides
TASK 9 Adding and deleting comments Adding and deleting comments
Pennisi 25
Efficient The amount of time to perform task was minimal. The amount of time to perform task was minimal.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Effective I was able to complete this task. I was able to complete this task.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Engaging The options available for creating and formatting a The options available for creating and formatting a
presentation enhanced the users experience. presentation enhanced the users experience.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Error Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without
Tolerant having to restart. having to restart.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Easy to The task was easy to find and easy to learn. The task was easy to find and easy to learn.
Learn
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Additional Was able to insert and delete a comment. Able to insert and delete a comment.
Notes Able to do tasks in two to three clicks. Was able to complete create a comment in one
Tool differed in color to help user know which one click and delete the comment in two clicks.
made a new comment and which button deleted Tool was found in the toolbar. This option enhances
one. Organized in a way that pleasing to users. users experience because they don’t have to search
Easy to fix any errors made by pressing the undo or for the tool.
redo button. Any error in comment can be edited, or comment
Easy to find where the comments tool is located. Also can be deleted.
easy for individuals to use. Easy to find the create comment tool and easy to
learn and use.
Tasks Microsoft PowerPoint Google Slides
TASK 10 Font (changing size, design, and color) Font (changing size, design, and color)
Efficient The amount of time to perform task was minimal. The amount of time to perform task was minimal.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
Pennisi 26
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Effective I was able to complete this task. I was able to complete this task.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Engaging The options available for creating and formatting a The options available for creating and formatting a
presentation enhanced the users experience. presentation enhanced the users experience.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Error Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without Error was easy to correct. Was able to fix error without
Tolerant having to restart. having to restart.
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Easy to The task was easy to find and easy to learn. The task was easy to find and easy to learn.
Learn
Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
Disagree Agree Disagree Agree
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Additional Was able to change the font size, design and color. Was able to change the font size, design, and color.
Notes Took only two clicks to complete task. This varies Able to complete task in two clicks. This also varies
among what font element you are changing. Overall among what font element you are changing.
doesn’t require a lot of time to complete this task. While they had almost all the same options available
The options are all available on the home tab. They that PowerPoint does, Google Slides lacks the use of
are also labeled using different colors and designs to color for these elements. While they were all different
help users find what they are looking for. These designs to help users know which element they are
elements also show up in a mini taskbar when you looking at, all were black and white.
highlight text. Any errors made can be fixed by choosing another
Any errors can be fixed by using the undo button. option or using the undo button.
All options for formatting font are easy for users to Besides some faulty design elements, this task was
learn. Having it placed in the same area helps easy to learn how to use on Google Slides. It provides
individuals not have to search for what they need. users what they need to put their presentation
together.