Analyzing the Influence of Web Site Design Parameters on Web Site Usability

2008 ◽  
pp. 3525-3541
Author(s):  
Monideepa Tarafdar ◽  
Jie ("Jennifer") Zhang

Web site usability is concerned with how easy and intuitive it is for individuals to learn to use and interact with a Web site. It is a measure of the quality of a Web site’s presence, as perceived by users. The usability of Web sites is important, because high usability is associated with a positive attitude toward the Web site and results in higher online transactions. Poorly designed Web sites with low usability, on the other hand, lead to negative financial impacts. Existing approaches to Web site usability include measurement and tracking of parameters, such as response time and task completion time, and software engineering approaches that specify general usability guidelines and common practices during software development. This paper analyzes usability from the point of view of Web site design parameters. An analysis of usability and other design characteristics of 200 Web sites of different kinds revealed that design aspects, such as information content, ease of navigation, download delay, and Web site availability positively influence usability. Web site security and customization were not found to influence usability. The paper explains these results and suggests design strategies for increasing Web site usability.

Author(s):  
Monideepa Tarafdar ◽  
Jie (Jennifer) Zhang

Web site usability is concerned with how easy and intuitive it is for individuals to presence, as perceived by users. The usability of Web sites is important because high usability is associated with a positive attitude and greater trust towards the Web site. Poorly designed Web sites with low usability lead to negative financial impacts. Existing approaches to Web site usability include measurement and tracking of parameters such as response time and task completion time, and software engineering approaches that specify general usability guidelines and common practices during software development. This chapter analyzes usability from the point of view of Web site design parameters. An analysis of usability and other design characteristics of 200 Web sites of different kinds revealed that design aspects such as information content, ease of navigation, download delay, and Web site availability positively influence usability. Web site security and customization were not found to influence usability. The chapter explains these results and suggests design strategies for increasing Web site usability.


Author(s):  
Bijan Fazlollahi

The web site is a central component of B2C Electronic Commerce. However, there are few guidelines on how to design and develop an effective web site. Most discussions address technical issues of building WebPages. The requirement stage of web site design is poorly understood. This chapter discusses requirements for web site functions from the point of view of both the firm and the customer. Firm’s business strategies and customer decision support needs are mapped into web site functionalities. Two existing web sites of firms in the building industry are analyzed for illustrative purposes.


2005 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 62-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monideepa Tarafdar ◽  
Jie ("Jennifer") Zhang

Author(s):  
Dianne Cyr ◽  
Carole Bonanni ◽  
John Bowes ◽  
Joe Ilsever

The growth of Internet shopping motivates a better understanding of how e-loyalty is built online between businesses and consumers. In this study, Web site design and culture are advanced as important to Web site trust, Web site satisfaction, and e-loyalty in online business relationships. Based on data collected in Canada, the U.S., Germany, and Japan, the research considers (1) examining, within culture, preferences for design elements of a local vs. a foreign Web site, and subsequent participant perceptions of trust, satisfaction, and e-loyalty, and (2) comparisons between cultures for design preferences of local and foreign Web sites, and subsequent participant perceptions of trust, satisfaction, and e-loyalty. As predicted, similarities were greatest among Americans, Canadians, and Germans, with the Japanese representing a different and unique case. The results are discussed against hypothesized expectations. Implications for future research are outlined.


Author(s):  
C. Ranganathan ◽  
Elizabeth E. Grandon

In this chapter we explore the key elements in designing business-to-consumer Web sites. We synthesize the results of two independent research studies to delve upon the important considerations in developing and designing effective online retail sites. We examine Web site design from two perspectives. First, we examine how consumers view online Web sites and what factors they look for in effective retail sites. Second, we explore the top retail Web sites and identify the elements making up the top retailing Web sites. Then, we identify the gaps in current Web site practices and the online consumer expectations. Finally, we reflect upon this analysis to propose some important considerations in designing an effective online business-to-consumer Web site.


2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 384-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyeonsoo Kim ◽  
Yun Jung Choi ◽  
Yuri Lee

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between atmospheric qualities with different levels of task relevance in luxury fashion brand web sites and their impact on consumer attitude toward the site and brand, which is essential to build valid strategies for e-retailing. Design/methodology/approach – An empirical study was conducted and quantitative analyses of 292 respondents’ shopping experiences yielded findings that confirm the impact of atmospherics upon the shopper’s views of the web site and the brand. Structural equation modeling was used to test the research hypotheses. Findings – Both low task-relevant atmospherics (web site design, responsive customer service) and high task-relevant atmospherics (product information, convenience) affect the consumers’ revisit intentions toward the web site, while web site design directly affected brand attitude. The study also illustrates the mediating roles of product information and convenience to the relationships between web site design and responsive customer service and the consumers’ revisit intentions toward the site. Practical implications – This study provides insights for luxury e-tailing. Luxury e-tailers should understand the different effects depending upon the types of web atmospheric qualities and use them strategically. Originality/value – The main contribution of the study is to highlight the unique aspects of luxury online shopping in the Korean context. This study also contributes to e-commerce research by providing an expanded understanding of the interrelationship between types of web atmospheric qualities.


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