Examining Web Design Conventions Across Site Types
http://www.surl.org/usabilitynews/51/guest.asp

Patel, M.R.
Usability News
2003

Abstract:

This study examined the viability of a Category-Based Usability Theory, which indicates that usability of websites should be accounted for on the basis of the category the website is in. While Web design experts have provided general design guidelines, it is believed that with different site types, design guidelines may differ.