WEEK 3: READING BLOG

Just curious, does anyone (besides the instructor) even read my blogs?

In Chapter 6, Krug explains the importance of using visual hierarchy in web design. He compares the experience of searching on the web and searching in the real world as similar. This kind of experience will depend on the use of hierarchy in signs such as the aisle signs seen in department stores that are meant to guide their shoppers towards a specific destination. Krug states that, “the ease of finding what you are looking for will determine whether the experience was satisfying or not”. Link-dominant shoppers, such as myself, certainly appreciates the convenience of having signs that allow us to easily navigate through the store. I can recall a few times when I had spent more hours than I should have in a store because I could not find what I was looking for. This kind of experience becomes especially frustrating when there are no employees available around your current location who can assist you and you end up having to search all over the store for someone. Now imagine having this kind of experience on a website where you can expect no employee assistance (unless there is the option of contacting a technical representative). Nonetheless, a website should be self-explanatory and should not make users think.

Krug also explains the importance of web navigation and its purpose. Aside from the obvious, the navigation should reveal contents or at least provide users with an idea on what kind of information can be found on the site. The navigation also reduces the feeling of being lost in digital space by presenting users with options to move around and retrace their steps if needed (also known as ‘breadcrumbs’). As Krug had mentioned, the site ID should serve as a direct link to the homepage even if most users are unaware of this option. I tend to use the site ID often when I am too far deep into a site and cannot locate the ‘home’ link. I personally think that having this option is effective and saves me from having to invest any more time or frustration on finding the ‘home’ link.

Related Links:
http://mycityapparel.com/
http://www.myspace.com/
http://www.target.com/