WWF Groundwater platform: Usability Testing Report – iComms

The usability testing of the WWF groundwater dashboard revealed that while users value the tool's data, the interface is often overwhelming and difficult to navigate for non-experts. Key issues include inconsistent fonts, a lack of clear purpose on the landing page, confusing map layers, and an excessive amount of text. Recommendations include creating separate user profiles for experts and non-experts, implementing color-coded severity indicators for groundwater levels, and adding tutorials to guide new users.

• The dashboard is perceived as a valuable tool for researchers, policymakers, and academics, but it is considered too advanced for the general public.
• Users found the landing page unwelcoming and lacking in clarity, noting that it does not communicate the platform's purpose and contains inconsistent font styles and sizes.
• Navigation of the map system was confusing due to the presence of three different maps, unclear drawing tool icons, and a lack of understanding regarding the role of map layers.
• The interface contains an overwhelming amount of text and a lack of visuals, leading some users to skip sections of the dashboard background entirely.
• There is a lack of clear information regarding the ownership of the dashboard and the origins of the data, with no indication that the platform is currently a pilot study.
• The registration and login process is viewed as a potential barrier for users who only need to access information rather than manage it.
• Participants suggested that numeric data alone is insufficient for non-experts and recommended using color codes (e.g., green, yellow, red) to indicate the severity of groundwater levels and quality.

APA

WWF South Africa (n.d.). WWF Groundwater platform: Usability Testing Report – iComms. https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/4_annexure_4_appendix_b_usability_testing_report.pdf

Chicago

WWF South Africa. WWF Groundwater platform: Usability Testing Report – iComms. n.d. https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/4_annexure_4_appendix_b_usability_testing_report.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF South Africa |title=WWF Groundwater platform: Usability Testing Report – iComms |url=https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/4_annexure_4_appendix_b_usability_testing_report.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfsouthafricandwwf, author = {{WWF South Africa}}, title = {{WWF Groundwater platform: Usability Testing Report – iComms}}, institution = {WWF South Africa}, url = {https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/4_annexure_4_appendix_b_usability_testing_report.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }