QUESTIONS
Review the navigation of a local online newspaper in your area. Take notes on the following aspects:
Balance: is the site balanced without unnecessary levels?
Efficiency: is the navigation efficient to use?
Feedback: is it clear where you are in the site?
Labeling: are navigation labels clear and understandable?
Consistency and inconsistency: is inconsistency used wisely?
Visual design: does the visual design of the navigation enhance its use?
Appropriateness: is the navigation appropriate for an online newspaper? Does it help you find what you need?
Pick the one you like best and compare it to the web site for your favorite band or movie. What are the differences?
Together with a friend or someone you know, conduct an informal checklist review and a navigation stress test on your favorite e-commerce site. Compare notes and discuss. Where do the findings overlap between a checklist review and the stress text? What differed between the two? Which was more telling about the overall navigation system?
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