[NIFL-HEALTH:3573] Re: Readability on the Internet

From: Dwyoho@aol.com
Date: Fri Feb 22 2002 - 11:29:26 EST


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From: Dwyoho@aol.com
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Subject: [NIFL-HEALTH:3573] Re: Readability on the Internet
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I notice that the websites that seem the easiest to use build in what I would 
call "redundancy"--several buttons to click on located in more than one place 
that take you to the same place.  "Home", for example, is often at the top, 
side and bottom .  Any comments from anyone about the usefulness of this 
"redundancy"?  I have a notion that each person's eye travels across a web 
page in different ways--some people are predisposed to be methodical and 
start at the top, then move down like you're reading a book; others skim with 
a preconcived expectation of how the page should be organized (almost a 
mental "template"), some are bothered by popups and moving stimulation, 
others appreciate it.  I hypothesize that if the page is layed out radically 
different from the viewer's mental "template" (which develops from previous 
experience), the site will appear confusing, boring or otherwise not 
attractive enough to hold the wiewer more than a few seconds.  I'm wondering 
if these ideas have any basis or are just notions from a cranky Internet user 
like me?  Debbie

Deborah W. Yoho
Executive Director, Greater Columbia Literacy Council
Co-Moderator, NIFL-Health Discussion Group
921 Woodrow Street
Columbia, SC  29205
803-765-2555  Fax:  803-799-8417  dwyoho@aol.com
Agency email:  litcola@mail.com



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