Corporate Websites Get a 'D' in PR

Few corporations would discount the value of positive press. You would never know this given the results of our recent usability study. In our study, 20 journalists attempted to use the press areas of 10 corporate websites to gather information for story assignments. Among other tasks, the journalists tried to find basic information about each company's financials, management, and commitment to social responsibility, along with a PR telephone number. On average, journalists found the answer to each of these simple questions only 60% of the time. If these sites were being graded in a U.S. school, the average grade would be no higher than a D.

Nielsen, Jakob and Kara Pernice Coyne. Alertbox (2001). Articles>Usability>Public Relations

Make It Usable

Usability is often the most neglected aspect of Web sites, yet in many respects it is the most important. If visitors can't use your site, they will leave and never become customers. The Web gives people too much freedom and too many choices; no one will suffer a poorly designed site. To make your site usable, you need to involve potential customers in its design.

Nielsen, Jakob, Kara Pernice Coyne and Marie Tahir. PC Magazine (2001). Design>Web Design>Usability

A Useful Investment

Proper usability design commonly cuts training costs by 50 percent and increases productivity by 25 percent.

Nielsen, Jakob and Kara Pernice Coyne. CIO Magazine (2001). Articles>Project Management>Usability