Improving the usability of web 2.0 applications

Abstract

Web 2.0 is revolutionizing the way that users access content and interact with each other on the Web. Unfortunately, many developers are inspired by what is technologically possible possibly disregarding good design practice and fundamental theory. Very little research on Web 2.0 usability is reported in the literature. This paper reports progress on an investigation into the usability of Web 2.0 applications through an empirical study of the level of disorientation and cognitive overhead that users might experience. The outcomes of this project aim to provide an empirical basis for the development of design guidelines to improve Web 2.0 usability.