Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
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Give the user escape routes.
Let the user control the multimedia
elements in the site with standardized, intuitive controls. Avoid expecta-
tions that the user will migrate to the navigation controls of the assumed
Web browser — they won't. Provide close buttons and on/off controls for
audio, video, and pop up windows whenever you can. I realize that
sometimes attention to this level of detail requires extra time and effort on
the project. Many times, these details are left out. We should make an
effort to try and cater the experience to the users' tastes. Escape routes
should always be on the menu.
Pre-Evaluation of Usablity
We will discuss usability in more detail after we create the Web site. We will
test the usability of the site against a set of usability guidelines developed by
Nielsen and Norman and adapted by me for use on the Web portfolio. By doing
an evaluation of the completed Web portfolio, you can learn which components
of your Web portfolio are failing the usability test. Testing the usability of the
Web portfolio after it is up sounds backwards, right? Actually, we should be
thinking about usability before and after the Web portfolio is designed. Why?
Because the process has so many interactive components that are needed for
successful user interaction and communication that usability must be addressed
throughout. So here is a little piece of usability investigation that you can
perform on the information that you have already brainstormed. You will repeat
this exercise later on in the text after you have created your Web portfolio and
uploaded it to the Internet. But for now, let's examine the information design
components that you should question about your Web portfolio site with
regards to organization, structure, and your idea of effective usability. Ques-
tions surrounding visual aesthetics are stripped out and saved for post Web
portfolio evaluation. Think of the following questions in respect to access for
the user. We have not gotten to the visual stage yet. Right now concentrate on
user access and making it a simple as possible.
Ask yourself what the user would say if asked these questions of the Web
portfolio design and usability based on the content outline and flowchart:
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In this Web portfolio, is there a visible, clear navigation path to the body
of work?
