SIGIA-L Mail Archives: Re: [Sigia-l] DHTML Menus and Usability
Re: [Sigia-l] DHTML Menus and Usability
From: Lyle_Kantrovich_at_cargill.com
Date: Thu Sep 19 2002 - 19:07:25 EDT
You people always generalize! :)
Personally, I don't think you can generalize about the usability of
menus (dhtml or otherwise). There seem to be lots of theories on why
menus might work or not work, but no solid research or even generally
accepted guidelines. The right answer is .... (drum roll please) ...
it depends. (Yep, that's why I get paid in Big Bucks - so I can share
sage wisdom such as this.)
Test it out:
- your users (or sufficient fakes)
- your design (or a sufficient facsimile thereof)
- your users' tasks
-------------------------------
Net: Your Answer
Saying menus always work/fail is like saying users always understand
submit buttons or always have trouble with horizontal nav bars... Even
if it worked/failed in your situation it could still fail/work for
another...and of course I won't insult anyone's design skills by
pointing out that sometimes we're testing bad designs or bad IA or bad
hierarchies and such-and-such. Wouldn't even think of it. Mileage may
vary - even yours.
Might there be a situation where a well-designed set of menus work just
excellent for a certain user with a certain set of skills and knowledge
performing a particular type of task??? No way? Way.
(Like how I claimed to have the 'right answer' -- did you even catch
that? What kind of an arrogant jerk am I? You don't have to answer
that.)
Regards,
Lyle Kantrovich
User Experience Architect
Croc O' Lyle: personal commentary on usability, IA, and web design
http://crocolyle.blogspot.com <<<------ Blatant self-promotion!!!
Is it Friday yet???
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