The effect of different types of site maps on user's performance in an information-searching task

Abstract

This study examines the effects of different types of site maps on user's performance in an information-searching task for three web sites. Forty-two participants (22 males and 20 females) participated in the study. The results showed significant effects on the types of site maps used. It was found that participants found the correct answers more often, required less time, visited significantly fewer web pages, and required fewer clicks to complete the task when the site map was visible. However, it was found that the participants had a lower success rate in finding the correct answers when the site map had hyperlinks. In addition, the results showed significant performance differences among the three web sites and the effects of a site map were found to be more prominent for a larger web site.