Introduction
Netscape Communications Corporation is in the process of changing its corporate
focus from a software development company to an Internet information company.
As part of this strategy, the company is creating a multi-function web site,
Netcenter. This site provides on-line users with easy access to a variety
of information and reference sources. Netscape hopes that the site becomes
the "destination" of choice among Internet "travelers."
Several competitors, such as Yahoo and Excite, are attempting the same thing.
Current State
NetCenter is currently divided into four categories: Content, Commerce,Community
and Software. Each category is further subdivided. While the project team
appreciates Netscape Corporation's attempt at alliteration, the categories
are jumbled as much as the banner art which displays the site map. These
inconsistencies both confuse the visitor and cloud Netscape's identity.
For example, while there is a Commerce section, the Netscape Store is part
of the Software category. Business Journal is part of Content, yet a journal
is a strong unifier, and might be better aligned with the Community category.
Furthermore, the use of the term Content as a category is misguided since
all categories contain content.
In addition, NetCenter's content is business person oriented, yet its
structure is trying to be many things to many people. This lack of target
focus further weakens the user's experience at the site.
In its current state, Netcenter is neither immersive nor informative.
One of the strongest features of Netcenter is partnering. Partnering
provides additional content for the site, with much greater detail, than
Netscape Communication Corporation can provide alone.
Project Team
The project team consists of Neil Wehrle, Vero Vanden Abeele, Tad Hirsch,
Joan Guerin and Robert Gargiulo. All team members participated in all aspects
of report generation, including concept, content, construction and scenario.
Project Focus
From the many properties of immersion discussed in class, the group has
identified six which are both appropriate and applicable to NetCenter:
Identification
In order for an information-oriented site to be immersive, it must provide
content with which the user can identify and relate. At NetCenter, content
and structure are customizable, so the site appeals to a larger audience.
Connection/Community Contact
The user's personal connection should lead to a global connection of community,
thus reducing the isolation of the interactive experience and spurring curiosity
about other individuals.
NetCenter builds virtual community by providing access to newsgroups,
personal newsletters and chat sites while building physical community by
providing updated local news and weather, as well as a listing of local
eateries, no matter where the user logs in.
Curiosity/Surprise
Althought the content of the site must be consistant to optimize usability,
it need not be predictable in every way. An occasional, but pleasant surprise
will add to the user's curiosity and intrigue with the online experience.
The user's emotional responses will increase the feeling of immersiveness.
Intuitive (Spatial) Navigation
Site structure also affects participant's immersion. Intuitive (spatial)
navigation must highlight structure and provide easy access to the user's
options and choices. This navigation must be seamless to avoid diverting
the user's attention from the information he or she seeks.
Since the environment is customizable, navigation can become more intuitive.
To aid navigation and increase identity, the user never leaves the NetCenter
space, that is, information comes to him or her.
Multiple Options
From an extensive selection, customizable functions can be added to the
personalized environment. In addition, PEPE, an agent, can interact with
external objects, such as laptop computer, agenda planner software and computerized
audio equipment.
Consistent Look and Feel
A consistent look and feel aids visitor immersion by unifying site structure
and content. Without this unification, content and structure become fragmented,
dividing the user's attention. The look and feel of the NetCenter site is
consistent, yet, the placement of user positioned objects remains constant
from session to session. |
