Newsletter issue #54 - 1st September 2008
This issue
Hello and welcome to the September edition of the Webcredible newsletter!
In this issue:
- Feature article: Online videos: Engaging your users
- Top tip: Do split A/B testing
- Useful program: Email Prioritizer
- Top link: Link Popularity Check
- New articles in August
- Webcredible news in August
Enjoy!
Feature article: Online videos: Engaging your users
Online video is big business nowadays. Websites dedicated to video like YouTube, BBC iPlayer and 4oD have taken off in a big way, and an increasing number of websites are introducing video content to keep users engaged. If you're considering introducing video content to your site or looking to make the best of your existing video content, you must put the user experience at the forefront of your proposition.
Read this article in full at www.webcredible.co.uk/user-friendly-resources/web-usability/online-videos.shtml.
Top tip: Do split A/B testing
Split A/B testing involves running two different versions of the site side-by-side and then evaluating the success of each version. When usability problems are found, getting agreement on the most appropriate solution can be difficult. However, rather than evoking a prolonged discussion or argument on the merits of each proposed remedy, split A/B testing should be carried out. There are a number of advantages of split A/B testing:
- It finds the best solution to usability issues In today's online environment, it's imperative to continuously evolve and improve your website by making small frequent adjustments. Split A/B testing will establish which changes will be most advantageous to the user experience.
- It's low risk Split A/B testing is a low risk approach as it involves testing two variables at a time to see which is more effective. It's a great way to run new designs before roll-out, avoiding surprises on the launch.
- The cost is relatively low Split A/B testing is also cheaper than other methods like focus groups and provides proof of the effect of site changes, which can in turn solve internal disputes.
Useful program: Email Prioritizer
Email Prioritizer is a plug-in for Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 that helps you prevent that crippling email overload feeling. It is currently at the prototype stage but offers a 'do not disturb' button and the ability to prioritize email with a rating system, meaning you will no longer have your inbox overflowing with unwanted email.
Download this useful program at www.officelabs.com/projects/emailprioritizer/Pages/default.aspx
Top link: Link Popularity Check
Want to find out how popular your links are compared to competitors? Marketleap's Link Popularity Check lets you enter any four URLs and find out which is the most popular.
Check it out at www.marketleap.com/publinkpop/.
New articles in August
Read these and many other articles at www.webcredible.co.uk/user-friendly-resources.
Webcredible news in August
- Webcredible becomes ABTA Travel Industry Partner
- Butlins selects Webcredible for site evaluation
- Online shoppers more likely to buy prescription drugs than garden sheds
- 'User experience in online travel' seminar announced
- We're recruiting a user experience consultant!
- Kuoni appoints Webcredible as usability partner
- Catch up with Webcredible on Twitter
Read these news stories in full at www.webcredible.co.uk/about-us/latest-news.shtml.
Training courses
Courses continue to sell out well in advance! Our next training courses will take place in our training centre in Aldgate, London in October, November & December:
- Web writing training - Monday 6th October, Monday 3rd November & Monday 1st December. For more information and to reserve your place before it fills up please consult our intermediate web writing training page.
- Web usability training - Tuesday 7th October, Tuesday 4th November & Tuesday 2nd December. For more information and to reserve your place before it fills up please consult our web usability training page.
- Usability testing training - Wednesday 8th October, Wednesday 5th November & Wednesday 3rd December. For more information and to reserve your place before it fills up please consult our usability testing training page.
- Web accessibility training - Wednesday 8th October, Wednesday 5th November & Wednesday 3rd December. For more information and to reserve your place before it fills up please consult our web accessibility training page.
- Intermediate CSS training - Thursday 9th October, Thursday 6th November & Thursday 4th December. For more information and to reserve your place before it fills up please consult our intermediate CSS training page.
- Advanced CSS training -Friday 10th October, Friday 7th November & Friday 5th December. For more information and to reserve your place before it fills up please consult our advanced CSS training page.
About Webcredible
Based in London, UK, Webcredible is a user experience consultancy. Tailor-made usability, accessibility & design solutions include:
- User research
- User-centered design
- Accessible CSS web design
- Training courses & support
- Website reviews
- Usability lab hire
Please contact us on 020 7423 6320 or info at webcredible.co.uk, or consult www.webcredible.co.uk for further information.
