Jacob Nielsen part 2
Are there more mistakes in web design?
(http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990530.html) - an updated set from 1999.
1 - Breaking or Slowing down the Back Button - by opening a new window links are broken (see also #2). Using an 'immediate redirect' the user cannot break out from the page. Breaking the 'Back' button also prevents caching.
2 - Opening new browser windows - The user familiar with using the 'Back' button is suddenly marooned, being bounced within the pages of the new window. An experienced may notice a new window opening but is more likely to be noticed when the back button stops working. A novice user will take some while to realise what has happened if at all.
3 - Non Standard use of GUI Widgets - consistency with practised design should be used. Users expect to click on a submit button when using forms, however some sites will carry out a submit without using this normal practice. A submit should not be made from anywhere but a submit.
4 - Lack of biographies - The user must know who is responsible for the page, and contact information is a valuable resource.
5 - Lack of archives - Old information that was on a site may still be valuable.
6 - Moving pages to new URLs - This breaks links from other pages and your site may loose those links.
7 - Headlines that make no sense out of context - The user should be told what is at the end of a link
8 - Jumping at the latest internet buzzword - Think about the use of the word, if its quickly in fashion it could disappear just as quickly.
9 - Slow server response times - as in the previous list, users will not wait.
10 - Anything that looks like advertising - users are so used to advertising on the web when legitimate information looks like advertising it will be ignored. Particular styles to avoid are banners, animation and pop-ups.