OpenSource Connections
Category: Uncategorized
During FOSE, I was surprised to find that FedBizOpps had completely changed its format, look, feel, and usability. I found out about this because I had bookmarked several pages to look at responding to potential RFPs, and none of them worked. So, instantly, I had a predisposition against the new FedBizOpps, even though I consistently complained to colleagues about its lack of functionality.
However, once I got over the initial dissatisfaction of losing ten or so bookmarks to a poor conversion, I started looking into the new website. Now that Ive been using it for a couple of days, here are some observations:
- The search agents solve a key missing element. Instead of having to type in the same searches over and over every day, I can save a search with the criteria that I want and have it scheduled to run on a regular basis, sending me an e-mail with the newest postings.
- Searching by expiration date is a good capability. I want to see whats yet to expire, expiring soon, and the like. However, one element missing in a saved search agent is a dynamic date. In other words, I cant say that I want postings which expire tomorrow through eternity and have that date move forward daily.
- This site was not fully tested. My two biggest pet peeves should have easily been caught in testing: 1) if I open a link (for example, to a posting) in a new tab, it messes up the original tab, and 2) the back button doesnt seem to work. I like to return to previous activity by using the back button. Even “Return to Results” does not work, and there is no obvious internally linked navigation.
- Site visitation does not have permanence. If I keep a tab open on a posting, its probably because I want to come back to it. If I put my computer to sleep and come back, I cant navigate from that page anymore. Its quite irritating.
- Theres no obvious way for me to provide feedback. If the government wants to improve and wants to serve its customers, then it should make interaction easier.
- I didnt see it coming. If I would have known that this was coming and the effects it would have on my searching efforts, I could have prepared adequately.
- Theres no obvious FAQ or users guide. Its truly a libertarian site–you figure things out on your own merits, apparently. No paternalism here!
All in all, as the title implies, I think its a step in the right direction. The transition was poorly not handled, and its clear that testing did not incorporate the full cycle of usability testing. I would be surprised if there was a detailed test plan, and if there was, it wasnt detailed enough. However, the concepts of usability are improved; I just hope its not another several years before the government decides to take the next step.