I did a short, very brief usability review for Kalamazoo Public Library today. I thought I’d share it.
Again, it’s very limited and I could have listed more, but I was restricted to so much.
- Web site failed Section 108 Guidelines for Government Web sites:
- http://www.cynthiasays.com/mynewtester/cynthia.exe?rptmode=-1&url1=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kpl.gov%2Fteen%2FHomeworkHelp.aspx
- Menu navigation only works with Javascript enabled â?? text-based browsers can not navigate
- Images not readable with CSS disabled â?? or no ALT tags
- Events link could be converted to front page list of upcoming events
- Link opens in new window to page that does not follow site theme
- External links open in new window
- This breaks the back button (the most used navigation element by internet users)
- Also, breaks desktop experience for users with Tabbed Browsing, eliminates user choice and control
- Internal links open in new window
- Creates confusing navigation experience for most users
- Branch Libraries section confusing â?? pictures do not help describe the links
