All of us work with online materials in different ways. Some will scan text without reading thoroughly, some will be happier to sit at a machine and read page after page, while others download text. It is therefore very important to design materials with differentiation and usability in mind, so that it will be useful. To improve the experience for users a partial list of wants and desires by the web producer is presented below.
Feedback mechanisms in place like a timely answer to a question or guest book entry.
Everyday language, real world conventions and annotated technical terms make a production appear logical.
Recognition not recall allows people to recognize what they should do next, not remember what it is.
Expert use like keyboard short cuts allow experts to work faster. Although online materials are educational, does not mean they cannot be fun. Many who surf will have spent more time using computers to play games than they will have using them as teaching aids. So they may well be more willing to learn from them if the learning materials simulate games.
Documentation is required in some instances and if searchable and well structured, will focus on the task of the user, will be simple to follow with concrete steps and ideally be available when needed.
Copyright:1986-2008