Web Site Usability, Technical and Social Perspectives

Abstract: World Wide Web (www) has achieved an important role in communication, information sharing and service delivery now-a-days. World Wide Web consists of millions of web sites and web based applications which are deployed and can be visited all over the world without the limitation of time and geographical boundaries. Web site usability, security and reliability consider some of the core aspects in designing of web sites. In this thesis, we explore possible tensions and tradeoffs between usability and security issues in web site design. We discuss web site usability issues in terms of technical and social aspects. We discuss web site security in terms of usability and offer some recommendations for secure website design without compromising the web site performance. We also highlight the importance of ease of navigation and other aspects of user interface design. In order to explore these issues, we have chosen to review the related literature. We have also conducted interviews with professionals who are mainly concerned with web site usability. Two sample interviews are available at the end of this thesis report.