An Inclusive Guide To Assessing Web Site Effectiveness

Abstract

This study presents the results of a literature review of the well-established literatures on readability, usability, and Web design.  The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on readability, usability, and Web design and to propose a three-step evaluation process to assess Web sites in each of these three areas.  We recommend that this process be used to evaluate existing Web documents and those still in the design phase.  This evaluation process can be utilized as an educational tool in a classroom setting.  Using this process in a classroom provides students with much needed training in a real-world approach to Web site testing without monopolizing the course content.  The research is presented in four sections:  (i) Readability, (ii) Usability, (iii) Web Design Guidelines, and (iv) Three-Step Evaluation Process.