Examples of Websites with Usability Problems
The issue of measuring usability problems has become an extremely hot topic of late, because simply speaking, poor usability can dramatically hinder market impact. The popularity of a product or service can plummet due to usability problems, significantly affecting sales margins. Unfortunately, examples of websites with usability problems are rampant on the web. Below is a short list of common problems that are prevalent online. Website examples are provided to drive home the point:
- Lack of clarity: the website does not clearly explain what the site is about. A user may mistakenly believe the site is not pertinent to them. (http://www.saltinstitute.org/)
- Long loading times: users make decisions in seconds. If loading time is unreasonable, users will search elsewhere. Long loading times can be due to many elements including the overuse of large graphics, Java applets, ad banners and the use of flash content. (http://www.longscycle.com/)
- Poor navigation: the navigation controls are hard to find, poorly labeled or have too many links on the front page. (http://www.tampax.com/home.php)
- Poor readability: the font is too small, has inadequate color combinations, weak or repeating background images, improper headings, overly long content. (http://www.neiu.edu/~flanglab/)
- Ugliness: due to bad or inconsistent graphic design. (http://www.dokimos.org/ajff/)
- Irrelevance: the website was designed for the company's managers, not for the company's clients. (http://www.ferreestools.com/)
- Complexity: the page designer ignores user-friendly standard site conventions and expects users to "learn" the site. (http://cyberatlas.guggenheim.org/home/index.html)
A usable website is one that:
- Helps users achieve a goal (i.e., obtain information or make a purchase).
- Makes it easy for them to achieve that goal.
- Allows users to achieve the goal quickly.
- Provides a pleasant experience while the goal is being achieved.
Web usability should be one of the most significant factors to take into account when designing a web site. A usable website will motivate visitors to visit longer, participate in the sales cycle and return again and again. In order to determine good usability, choose an outside expert, like ITS, with the tools and expertise to expedite a comprehensive usability review service.
A usability review will provide significant data on what a website offers the user in terms of good content – and if the content is made available easily and quickly within a user-friendly design.
While many examples of websites with usability problems continue to prevail across the web, these same sites, with basic modifications, could become completely usable.
A search systems usability review is also important in order to assess a site's current search capabilities and look for ways to improve it. Ultimately, if the website does not deliver relevant search results for its visitors those visitors will look elsewhere - moving on to a different website.
To ensure that you don’t find yourself on someone else's “examples of websites with usability problems” list, take action. And don't hesitate to contact the experts at Internet Traffic Solutions.
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