A well-designed web site lets users figure out how
to get the information or action they want with a minimum of fuss, and leaves maximum
effort available (but requires minimal resources) for actually performing the
task. Here is an eight-point checklist.
This guide can be used to evaluate how the site is
designed, built and implemented. How
does it look and feel. How easy is it
to get around and navigate. How
flexible and forgiving is it.
1 Offers
instant orientation
The site provides
consistent, effective navigational tools on every page. Users can tell, at a
glance, where they are, how they got there, and where they want to go next. |
2 Maintains
a family look
Across the entire site, there is enough design consistency to let the users know they are on the same site. This may include type style, color, navigation bars, tone of text, use of images, and related design/content elements. |
3 Speaks
the user's language
The site is built for the user, not the developer -- it takes into account the user's likely familiarity with both the subject matter and the way the Internet works. It also speaks in the tone appropriate for the organization, the content, and the audience -- whether that be colloquial, playful, or formal. |
4 Provides
appropriate access
The site takes into account the fact that users may have special needs, and is adaptable for use with a broad range of browsers and accessibility tools. Any additional software necessary to view or listen to content is readily available, and the site provides alternate versions of core content (images, sound or video files) that is not displayed textually. |
5 Direct
and to the point
The site is designed to help the user achieve the goal of getting to the relevant information or interaction quickly and with a minimum of distraction. It is designed to achieve legibility and clarity of meaning. Cyber-years are like dog years (7 to 1) and the site doesn't waste any of the user's precious moments with extraneous text, input fields, or technological razzmatazz |
6 Thanks
for the memories
Human memory is much faster and more reliable for recognition than for recall. For example, it will be easier to recognize a file name in a list of file names and select it than to simply recall it from memory in order to enter it. The site maximizes recognition and minimizes required recall of navigational pathway, previous input, and previously displayed information. |
7 User-driven
There are a few things more annoying than being held captive by a web page, but we can't think of one at the moment. Users should always have complete control over their journey through the site. Navigation away from a display should always be user-controlled, never system-controlled (e.g., based on timing). If you use a slide show or embedded sound file, allow easy user overrides of defaults, entertainment features, and personalized information. |
8 Houston,
we have a problem...
Designing a site that follows all the previous points will greatly reduce the frequency of user errors, but a site will never be completely error-free. "File not found" messages from broken links or badly-entered URLs should contain information to help the user find the proper page. Forms and other interface devices should show users all errors at once, minimizing the times the users sees the error message, and should point the user to the problem fields. |
3. Web Site Review Guide- With Form, E-Business Progress and
Function
|
Characteristics |
Rating Hi, Med, Lo |
Site
Examples |
Notes/Comments |
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Design |
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Continuous Context
and Status Feedback |
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Consistency &
Standards |
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Naturalness |
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Flexibility of Use |
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Relevance &
Minimalist Design |
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Recognition Rather
than Recall |
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User Control and
Freedom |
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Error Prevention,
Detection & Recovery |
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E-Business Progression |
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Inform |
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Interact |
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Transact |
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Deliver |
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Build Community |
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Function |
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Inst. Home Page
Reference to Development/Giving/Support |
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Dev/Adv Home Page
Programs Reference |
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Core Content/Reason
to Visit |
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Annual Giving
Programs |
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Major
Giving/Campaigns |
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Gifts Online |
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Donor Recognition |
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Alumni/Parents/Friends
"friendraising" component |
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Shopping |
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Review Summary |
Overall Rating Hi, Med, Lo |
Comments and Notes |
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Form |
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E-Business
Progression |
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Function |
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