A web site is effectively your branch office or showroom. In the physical world, good floor layout, no obstructions to easy movement around the premises, good lighting, etc., etc., make the experience pleasant for your customer and benefit the business. The equivalent applies in the virtual world.

One of the difficulties when you create a web site (or any other work, for that matter) is being able to objectively evaluate your own work. This usability testing and evaluation is not something you, or your web design firm, should do. You (and they) are simply too close to it to be able to 'see the wood for the trees'. As well some web design firms may be influenced by a conflict of interest.

An independent evaluation of the new web site will provide your business with invaluable feedback about the ease of use, or otherwise, of your site. This will increase the effectiveness of the site for users and benefit your business.

Scope of the Testing and Evaluation

Find out where the problems are in your web site … The evaluation covers a 'Visitor Review', a 'Usability Review' and a 'Search Engine Optimisation Review'.

Visitor Review

This would consist of several people of average Internet capability who would work through your site to find specified information and/or purchase goods or services. This will focus on their experience using the site to accomplish a number of tasks. Their use of your site will be video-taped, with their comments recorded (they're required to think aloud) as they complete their tasks.

Usability Review

Editorial Review to evaluate the credibility and clarity of the information on the site as well as its persuasiveness from the perspective of someone with no knowledge of your business. Also, ascertaining the effectiveness of page layout (any distractions, etc.). Usability Review will also evaluate the ease of navigation throughout the site. Is a visitor likely to get 'lost' within the site - or, is it intuitive in its operation.

Search Engine Optimisation Review

This consists of evaluating any impediments to effective Search Engine listing. Plus evaluation of META tag Descriptions and Keywords.

Assessing the usability of a web site is both an art and a science …

For further information email berghouse@microbiz.com.au.

I look forward to assisting you,

David Berghouse