From my second blog post, I am quite ready to
evaluate a Sri Lankan website based on the 25-point website usability
checklist. The website I have chosen for the analysis is www.printnow.lk
Start with proceedings; I would like to give you a
brief introduction about www.printnow.lk. www.printnow.lk is presented by Lakfoil
(Pvt) Ltd which is the premier Online Printing Platform for the digital age.
Further www.printnow.lk
is arguably the best online printing service provider in Sri Lanka. They are
offering their users the ability to upload, create and design their own unique
personal, promotional, to commercial and informational prints or create them
from the vast array of templates available on their site at the lowest prices.
Under these circumstances I thought of making my second blog post on www.printnow.lk
The 25 point checklist has been categorized into 4
sections, namely Accessibility, Identity, Navigation and Content.
Accessibility
1.
Site load‐time
is reasonable
The load time is extremely fast when compared to the
other printing websites in Sri Lanka such as www.print2digital.com/.
When we type www.printnow.lk on the URL tab, it doesn’t take at least 5 seconds
to load the site. If we type in Google search engine as printnow, it shows as
the 3rd result file on the screen.
2.
Adequate text‐to‐background
contrast
If you visit the site, you may see that they have
used the content in black colour under the white background. The texts appeared
on the colourful images are white. The
used colours are very contrasting and noticeable.
3.
Fontsize/spacing is easy to read
Headings and other relevant topics are relatively
larger font compared to the sub details of the page. Font size of the
promotional activities is larger and in white under the different colour
images. Spacing is great too.
4.
Flash & add‐ons
are used sparingly
As printnow.lk is not a very busy website, either
flash or add-ons are not used in the site.
5.
Images have appropriate ALT tags
As all the relevant products in each and every
category can be seen on the same page and sufficient description has been mentioned
below each product, we cannot see a small description of that particular product
when we move the cursor on top of each product without clicking.
6.
Site has custom not‐found/404
page
The site
doesn’t have this page. That can be shown as one of the drawbacks of the site.
Identity
7.
Company logo is prominently placed
Company logo has been placed on the top left corner
of the page with attractive font style and colour combination. It’s easily
identifiable and very eye catching.
8.
Tag line makes company’s purpose clear
They
has given their tag line as “print your memorable moments for life…” which gives a clear idea about the purpose of the company.
9. Home‐page is digestible in 5 seconds
As
they have not overloaded more information on the home page, it does take lesser
than five seconds.
10. Clear path to company information
It
has a clear path to company information, they have placed called “about us” on
the top ribbon. When you click on it, you can have their all information.
11. Clear path to contact information
It’s
also same as mentioned above, they have placed called “contact us” on the top
ribbon. Apart from that, the same feature is on the top right hand corner
separately. In this feature,
customer can fill the established form and become as a registered customer.
Moreover the firms has given a map how their customers are possible to reach
them.
Navigation
12. Main navigation is easily identifiable
Main
navigation tabs are clearly and precisely placed in the site. And they are easy
to handle as well.
13. Navigation labels are clear & concise
Here
they have given the most required customer products as labels and the other
related labels are easy to customers to identify.
14.Number of buttons/links is reasonable
We
can say that this site has adequate number of buttons where customers are most
needed.
15. Company logo is linked to home‐page
When
we click the company’s logo, it does not help to link to the home page. That
can be also described as one of the drawbacks of the site.
16.
Links are consistent & easy to identify
There are no
links to access another related sites. But there are so many links which are
consistent within the site. As an example, under each product category all
possible alternatives have been placed.
17.
Site search is easy to access
Yes, there is a site search option in the site. But
if you type the fact which is not available in the site, will not give any
message to the user. That’s another significant drawback of the site.
Content
18.
Major headings are clear & descriptive
Major headings are placed in white colour font under
different colour of backgrounds. Apart from that, promotions are also in larger
font to read easily.
19.
Critical content is above the “fold”
Important and critical information has been clear
and visible.
20.
Styles & colors are consistent
Different styles, font sizes and colour combinations
are easy for customers to read without much effort.
21.
Emphasis (bold, etc.) is used sparingly
Various products they provide has been shown a bit
larger font and bold. Small description of each product and the way how
customers can buy them have been mentioned under the each product, keeping a
small grey background label called “details”.
22.
Ads & pop‐ups
are unobtrusive
Nothing much ads & pop-us can be seen. If the
customer buy products through easy cash, they are given 10% refund of each
product.
23.
Main copy is concise & explanatory
The main copy is concise and it’s all about what customer
actually needs in printing service and not about what the company is or any
other facts. Simply you would see that the page is all about best printing deals
available in Sri Lanka.
24.
URLs are meaningful & user‐friendly
The URL is very attractive and meaningful. Further easy
to remember. They have not mentioned even a part of their name of the company.
And “printnow” itself says that they’re ready to printing any stuff of you.
25.
HTML page titles are explanatory
Page titles have not appropriate
number of keywords. If you ask business cards to print, it appears as
http://www.printnow.lk/Business_Cards/
but when you make different types of business cards, It doesn't explain well in HTML.
According to my perspective http://www.printnow.lk/
is very user-friendly web site. Any customer who has average knowledge of
dealing web sites are nothing much worry to make purchases through this.
Moreover, recognized
drawbacks in this analysis would not create major issues to their clients. But
if they are in position to make necessary arrangements to overcome those
drawbacks, the web site would be more attractive and fascinating through their
retaining and prospective clients.
Cheers!
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