Bimodal Distributions Contain Clues

One of the most unusual aspects of data about people and nature is its uneven distribution. Explore the non-normal distribution called bimodal distribution.

Allen, Cliff. Allen.com (2001). Design>Web Design>Statistics>Log Analysis

How the Web Works

A short essay about what one can and can't discern from webserver log file analysis, which involves a tutorial on how HTTP requests operate.

Analog (2004). Articles>Web Design>Statistics>Log Analysis

Lies, Damned Lies, and Web Statistics  

Interpreting web statistics has been described as “trying to nail Jell-o to the wall.” Web log files trackfile accesses on the server. They do not track users; they do not track interest levels, they do not track success or failure communicating information. Caches “hide” site accesses from the server log and “hits” provide a poor mea sure of interest in particular content. Some people argue that there is really no meaning to server logs other than a measure of server load. However, even with all their flaws, some find web statistics useful in identifying how best to allocate resources in web site development.

Mazur, Beth. STC Proceedings (1997). Presentations>Web Design>Statistics>Log Analysis

Statistics for Traffic Referred by Search Engines and Navigation Directories to Useit

The following table shows the number of visits that have been recorded in the Useit server logs as coming from search engines and directory services (so-called 'portals') in a one-month period (March) in each of the years from 1998 through 2003.

Nielsen, Jakob. Alertbox (2003). Design>Web Design>Statistics>Log Analysis

Web Traffic Analytics and User Experience

As a specialist in the user, you gain knowledge through observation and direct questioning of individual users. Now, you can add to that insights gained from data pulled during their actions on the site. By looking at this information, you will get a fuller picture of user behavior, not in a lab, but in the true user environment.

Diamond, Fran. Boxes and Arrows (2003). Articles>Web Design>Statistics>Log Analysis