Usability Assignment

"100 Million Websites"

In November 2006 the web has over 100 million websites, which was based on Necraft’s latest survey.

The web has experienced three growth stages. From 1991-1997 would be considered explosive with a growth rate of 850% per year. From 1998-2001 would be considered rapid with a growth rate of 150% per year. From 2002-2006 would be considered maturing with a growth rate of 25% per year. Any other industry or field would marvel at 25% gains. The web will continue to grow as more businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and people develop websites.

There wasn’t a “web user experience” in the 90’s. However, with in a short 15 years web users have developed a well-defined user experience. There are basic expectations that have settled with users. Websites have standard models to work with as users view websites based on this model. Web designers must comply with these expectations. New and different interfaces may not attract viewers but actually repel them. “The Web is no longer a marvel of innovation, it's an everyday tool, and you differentiate yourself by providing both better content and better solutions to users' problems.”

I would agree with the author. Users definitely have certain expectations for web browsing. There are a number of sites that are difficult to browse. If they are not user friendly based on our expectations then the site will be rejected by most.

The author implies that designers must recognize there is a model and user expectations based on the web’s short history. Users have become accustomed to a certain way of viewing the web and designers must understand this.