1) Identify Web sites with content and design problems:
http://www.kcthecatalog.com
http://www.tallyhouniforms.com
http://www.bvs.com
http://thecreationmuseum.org
http://www.usabilitynet.org
2) What sort of problems are evident?
•The concept is unclear.
•You can’t view the page without specific plug-ins. (not user-friendly)
•Excessive navigation instructions.
•Designers utilized only half of the screen size to advantage.
•Designed to meet the organization's needs rather than meeting the needs of the visitor.
•There are no contact details or important information like business hours available.
•The information posted is outdated.
•The use of distracting backgrounds make text difficult to read.
•Requires excessive scrolling.
•Inconsistent use of fonts and how text is aligned.
•Spelling mistakes.
•Unnecessary use of text. Phrases and sentences can be shortened or removed.
3) From the perspective of a customer or user, what is the negative impact of the problem?
If a Web site is “unattractive†or has been designed in an unprofessional way, the user might not trust the content, and could refer to other sources available.
4) What could be done to improve the sites?
•Provide interactivity, graphics, video, and sound to get your point across,and to make the experience engaging to users.
•Include browser extensions, like plug-ins, to make the Web page useable on the client’s computer
•Navigational buttons should be useful and easy to find.
•Size graphics to display well on different monitors.
•Know the audience and design content appropriately.
•Balance style with usability.
•Break up large amounts of text. This will enable users to quickly navigate to various sections.
•Format text wisely.
•Have a qualified copy writer proof read all text before posting it on the Website.
•Avoid duplication of content. Provide appropriate links to other Web sources.