Web Site Development Methodologies - High Level Models and Methodologies for Information Systems - page 77

users ' (end users ' and client customer users ' ) requirements and company objec-

-

tives before moving to another stage.

Content Management Systems (CMS) (SA9) This aspect is relevant to the
usability evaluation, functionality testing, planning, design, implementation, and
maintenance stages in the Participative Methodology for Marketing Web sites. This
tool will allow the users to manage the Web contents by allowing them to add, edit,
remove, and submit information by using various templates and work

ows without

needing any previous knowledge of the Web site editing tools.

As we have seen, usability and HCI are the principal aspects concerning the
development of a Web site through the Participative Methodology. In effect, when
usability issues are taken into consideration during the interface development
process, various problems can be prevented early on, for example: It can reduce the
time needed to access information, it can make the information easily available to
users, and therefore, it can prevent the frustration of not finding useful information

on the site, which is one of the main reason why users choose not to return to a
given Web site. Furthermore, if the Web site is related to electronic commerce and
usability principles are not taken into consideration, such problems can directly
imply a loss in sales and revenue, which is why this methodology is particularly
useful for Web sites in that particular area.

4.10 Conclusion

Contrary to traditional software development, Web site development entails many
aspects that are speci c to the medium, such as a wide range of possible users, the

need to present an attractive image, and a much greater emphasis on usability. Such
particular characteristics have led researchers to present methodologies that are
thought out speci

cally for the Web. These methodologies tend to have a more
heavy focus on the design processes, more user participation, and a more active
maintenance period.
Despite formal differences, all Web methodologies that we have discussed have
in common the main purpose of improving and facilitating the Web site design and
development process. These methodologies are used with the intention of aiding the
Web developers in the process of creating and structuring a Web page. However, it
is also paramount that methodologies facilitate the appreciation of information and
encourage effective and appealing forms of presentation and provision of infor-
mation, as a means of promoting products and services. Furthermore, when
developing a Web structure, the developers and the organization must guarantee
optimum visibility of all the information available in relation to the purpose of the
Web site, so as to make sure that the user can access all the information that he/she
needs in this one Web site.