Because it was written in 1997, I wonder how relevant the findings related to usability/conciseness explained by Morkes and Nielsen are now that we are ten years ahead. Perhaps I've been spoiled by broadband at work and at home, but I doubt the waiting for pictures and search results users did in '97 is comparable to what I currently experience. Even pages with lots of Flash animation and HQ images load relatively quickly for me.
Likewise, technology has probably changed the end-users' willingness to scroll down. I doubt many people had scroll wheels on their mice ten years ago, but I wouldn't think of buying a mouse without one now. Therefore, I'm not picky about whether I am required to scroll down or not. On the other hand, I would abhor scrolling sideways (using the same techniques a user in '97 would do to scroll down) without my Mighty Mouse. Since most of us don't have them, I imagine that's why it's considered rude to pull a Whitesnake.
Judy Gregory mentions that we've always scanned print media--brochures and leaflets are probably the best examples--but it's more a question of genre than whether it's written in code or not. Yet she is hesitant to make the same claim about novels and newspapers, which I find interesting. I have a hunch that we might be able to at least include the latter in scannable texts.
Take the Wall Street Journal. Wait, I'm sorry--WSJ 3.0. I remember the old style--extra wide pages, long columns of text with few pictures (even then, generally black and white illustrations). Now it more resembles the USA Today-style format that is chunkier, more aesthetically pleasing, and, of course, easier to scan. Is this just an isolated example, or is it indicative that we as a public are less patient when it comes to getting information?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I've got to get a Mighty Mouse!
Newspapers are cutting back on paper editions. The Chicago Tribune is thinner now, the WSJ has cut back on stock tables, and they're all increasing their online presence. But, before all this e-journalism, you could choose among full-width papers such as the Trib and "straphangers" such as the Sun Times.
I've noticed similar subtle changes in the way newspapers format their front pages. Once inside the paper, I don't see as much evidence of the easy-to-scan format, but clearly newspapers are following some the example set by web sites.
On a related note, since I have moved out to Sycamore and can no longer receive my old favorite (The Daily Herald), I find I'm perfectly content using Yahoo! to get all the news I need.
Jake
Post a Comment