USATODAY.com Arrows
"I would most likely skip some sections using just the top buttons, whereas using the side arrows I would hit each section"
"Once I noticed them I liked them a lot...I cannot name one website that uses this design to change their main subject pages"
Goal:
To determine which arrows are most likely to be noticed and/or used by consumers
The end.
Next steps
Methodology
Based on consumer reaction and preference for the Large Black arrows, suggested next step is to move forward with A/B testing the Large Black against Current arrow design to see which receives higher consumer engagement
- Consumer tests done on usertesting.com
- 10 participants
- Approximately 15 minutes in length
- Fielded from March 12-14, 2013
- Consumer given variety of tasks that would encourage them to interact with various arrow designs
- Consumers shared thoughts and opinions about four arrow designs
Most Likely to be Noticed
Oh, and...
These are the arrows:
Most consumers would like the arrows to give them a clue into where the arrows will take them.
Some suggested changing the color to correspond with the section colors, some suggested text hovers and one said "just add 'NEXT' to it".
Possibility: Use Large Black arrows, but change hover color to correspond with section rather than white on-hover state
Overall Impressions
The arrows were not noticed by consumers without prompting (except for one "power user" who was very familiar with the site).
Consumers default to top nav bar when asked to navigate to a new section.
BUT! Once they noticed the arrows, they really liked them! The arrows did what they expected and most said they'd be likely to use them.
What about the other arrows?
Consumers tended not to prefer the Large Grey arrows, some felt they were actually too big while others thought they too light in color
Findings
Consumers seemed generally indifferent to the Grey w/Black arrows, they weren't disliked but they weren't preferred or noticed much either
The Large Black arrows were the preferred design and the one most noticed by consumers. They stood out most and by far, received the greatest reaction by consumers.
The Current arrows were least preferred and least likely to be noticed. Consumers felt they were just too small.
