Implications of study of information search and retrieval

1. Graphic design neither helps nor hurts.
2. Text links are vital.
3. Navigation and content are inseparable.
4. Information retrieval is different than surfing.
5. Web sites aren't like software.

The 9 tested sites:

C|Net - technology and product resources
Disney - games, merchandise, theme park info
Edmund's - automobile prices, specs, reviews
Fidelity - mutual funds and investing info
Hewlett Packard - product, financial, and job info
Inc. - small business resources and contacts
Olympics - 1996 Olympic summer games in Atlanta
Travelocity - airline tickets, guide to recreation
WebSaver - annuity info

Reference:
Spool et al., Web site usability: A designer's guide, 1999.

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