Improving hypertext navigation map usability through graphic differentiation techniques

Abstract

The usability of a system is defined as its capability of being used easily and effectively by a specific range of
users to perform a specific range of tasks within a specific range of environments. Aiming to investigate the
effects of graphic differentiation techniques upon site map usability, this article summarises the results of three
experimental studies, when three different versions of a site map were tested with sixty users. Initially, a map
without differentiation was tested and users interviewed. In the second phase, a map with colour coding was
tested, which was followed by the tests involving a map with pictorial differentiation. Results demonstrated
several benefits of the application of differentiation techniques in terms of performance and user satisfaction.