A Study of Usability on Internet Map Website

This study assesses a Taiwan Internet Map website by adopting the three commonly used means in usability assessment, namely Coaching method, Interview, and Observation. For determining the problems involving Interface Design and usage, thirty individuals with no prior experience with the website were recruited and underwent a usability assessment for each of the two typical tasks set by the focus groups. The results showed that: (1) Excessive information has been displayed on the homepage, and the ways of categorizing and naming are distinct from public cognition. Base on the principle of minimizing user memory loading, simplifying user interface to the full extent is suggested. (2) The names of options on the user interface should be more in conformity with common language used, and avoid bias that users may associate with. Thus each name of the options shall be amended accordingly. (3) Considering users’ reading convenience, the visual design of the web page shall be revised to exhibit simple and consistent text for enhancing reading comprehension. (4) Results of this research provide guidance to website designers to better meet users’ needs and preferences.