What Web Users Want |

What Web Users Want

I recently moved into a new home and haven’t had cable television hooked up yet; and you know what I decided? I’m not going to get it because everything I need is right on the Internet. Case and point: One of my favorite shows comes on on Sunday nights. Thanks go the magic of YouTube, the episode is downloaded within mere minutes of being on the air. And what’s even better is that there aren’t any commercials in the version that I watch. I guess the only downside is the fact that you have to have patience to wait a little later to watch it, but its worth it. I compare it to bargain shopping. If you wait just long enough, there are fabulous deals to be had!

All of this being said, when it comes down to using the Internet and trying to obtain information, what is it that we look for? For instance, earlier today, I was trying to find information for research on a topic that I was writing about. However, when I clicked on the first website that came up, I quickly clicked right off because there was WAY TOO MUCH information being presented to me at one time, in one space.

Think about how big your computer screen is. Now think about how much information you would ideally like to see on that page. It’s no wonder people who use computers often have headaches. Web users use the Internet for a variety of everyday functions such as:

Watching television shows
Shopping
News
Information

That being said, what we want is very simple- so simple, in fact, that it is downright laughable: easy-to-find, clearly stated information that will help us make a judgment as to whether or not the website is credible or not. Additionally, most often, I find myself curious to know who the “brains” behind the operation is- you know, the person who is actually running the website. This simply helps to build trust between me knowing that there is an actual person running things- someone whom I can reach in case I have a question or complaint. What are some things that you look for on a website?

Who