2016 Census Website

Consultation objectives

In February 2016, Statistics Canada conducted usability testing of the 2016 Census website to obtain feedback on a number of features, including:

• information and instructions for completing the 2016 Census questionnaire online
• access to the 2016 Census online questionnaire
• information about Census employment opportunities
• access to an online employment application form
• information and educational materials, including the Teacher's Kit and Adult Education Kit.

Consultation methodology

From February 9 to February 17, 2016, Communications Division conducted usability tests, during which participants were asked to complete a series of tasks.

The tests measured the participants' task completion success rates and tracked the methods they adopted to complete them. Interviews were also conducted during the testing process to document participants' thought processes as they attempted to complete each task.

Summary of results

Overall, the Census pre-collection and the Census collection pages tested well and the feedback was generally positive. Improvements can be made to the confirmation of the My Census reminder sign-up and unsubscribe confirmation pages; labels related to Census questions in many languages and Session time out; and how information related to computer capability can be found.

How to get involved

This consultation is now closed.

Individuals who wish to obtain more information or to take part in a future consultation should contact Statistics Canada through the Contact Us page.

Please note that Statistics Canada selects participants for each consultation to ensure feedback from a representative sample of the target population for the study. Not all applicants are asked to participate in a given consultation.

Statistics Canada is committed to respecting the privacy of consultation participants. All personal information created, held or collected by the agency is protected by the Privacy Act. For more information on Statistics Canada's privacy policies, please consult the Privacy notice.

Statistics Canada thanks participants for their participation in this consultation. Their insights guide the agency's web development and ensure that the final products meet users' expectations.

Results

Overall, the Census pre-collection and the Census collection pages tested well and the general feedback was positive. Some improvements can be made, particularly with respect to the My Census reminder sign up and unsubscribe confirmation pages; labels related to Census questions in many languages and Session time out; and how information on computer capability can be found.

Recommendations

Collection landing page

Clarify the “Session timeout” label. Improvements could include changing the label, for example, to "Stop and finish later" or place this content within the tips for completing the online Census questionnaire (e.g., in a predominant location).

Census questions in many languages

Clarify that this section provides the questions for reference in different languages, but that respondents must complete the actual Census questionnaire in French or English only. This section was not intuitive to all participants and requires some improvement.

Tips for completing the online census questionnaire

In this section, add a section (with bold label) for Computer requirements and settings.

Stay Connected

Consider altering the images for the Stay Connected area. This could include changing the size or adding information so that it fits in better with other images in the Census spotlight.