The Institute for Dynamic Educational Advancement [IDEA] recently completed a study regarding online experiences. The report is an excellent read. The three groups surveyed were non-for-profits, designers and visitors (the general public). Although commercial businesses were not directly included in the survery, it’s still a great analysis on how user’s perceive web interactions and what visitors expect in their online experience.
By at least one point on a five-point scale, visitors have higher expectations of effectiveness than designers
An effective site was measured by three indicators. User enjoyment, relative ease of finding information on the site and users ability to navigate. Effective sites provided an enjoyable experience, allowed easy access to information and kept users from getting lost inside the site.
Regarding navigability, the study suggests that designers have an inherent misperception that their designs are understandable and easy to use, but the general public felt otherwise. Site visitors wanted sites to provide “personal navigation aid”, essentially a site concierge in order to help users find content quickly and easily.Â
Other interesting findings in the study are that designers are too optimistic about visitors ability to maintain orientation within a site. Also, the general public considers the entire World Wide Web an information source rather than a particular website.
Overwhelmingly, visitors want their information fast. There is nothing new about this idea, people want their information quickly. Most organizations with sophisticated enough tracking software understand user bailout. However, in the age of broadband, designers and developers are often undeterred to build bloated, slow experiences claiming it will provide a richer user experience. Additionally, designers claim connection speeds are already fast and getting faster, the general public does not share these views.
Amazingly, the study did not pose a question regarding speed of access. It found speed of access was important to visitors through the typed comment area.
I encourage everyone to read and refer to this report, here is the link again.
