Web site usability evaluation methods : a survey of New Zealand web site managers to ascertain what methods are being used and their perceived effectiveness

Abstract

This study has illicited feedback from a sample of the New Zealand Web Site Manager population to identify the usability evaluation methods used on their web sites and to measure their perceived effectiveness of those methods. Usability, defined simply, is the measure of the ability of a product to meet the needs of the user by allowing them to complete the task they want to perform effectively, efficiently and satisfactorily. The method used to collect feedback for this research was that of an anonymous postal questionnaire. The questionnaire asked respondents to identify the methods used and rate them for effectiveness, and it also included demographic questions. So far no other survey appears to have surveyed the Web Site Manager population about this particular topic. This is an exploratory study in nature and the conclusions from this research need to be read in that context. There are a number of interesting trends which this study has brought to light. Recommendations have been included for further research.