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Navigation |
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Current location within the site is shown clearly. |
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Link to the site's main page is clearly identified. |
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Major/important parts of the site are directly accessible from the main page. |
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Site map is provided for a large, complex site. |
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Easy to use Search function is provided, as needed. |
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Functionality |
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Site accommodates novice to expert users. |
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Functions are clearly labeled. |
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Essential functions are available without leaving the site. |
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Plug-ins are used only if they add value. |
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User control |
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Site reflects user's workflow. |
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User can cancel any operation. |
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Clear exit point is provided on every page. |
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Per-page size is less than 50K, to accommodate slow connections. |
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All appropriate browsers are supported. |
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Language and content |
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Important information and tasks are given prominence. |
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Information of low relevance or rarely used information is not included. |
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Related information or tasks are grouped: |
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- on the same page or menu. |
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- in the same area within a page. |
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Language is simple, without jargon. |
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Paragraphs are brief. |
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Links are concise, expressive, and visible--not buried in text. |
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Terms are defined. |
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Online help and user guides |
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Site is designed to require minimal help and instructions. |
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Help and instructions, if needed, are easily accessible. |
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System and user feedback |
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It is always clear what is happening on the site -- visual hints, etc. |
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Users can receive email feedback if necessary. |
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Users can give feedback via email or a feedback form. |
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Confirmation screen is provided for form submittal. |
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All system feedback is timely. |
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Users are informed if a plug-in or browser version is required and a link is provided to the necessary plug-in or browser site. |
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Each page includes a "last updated" date. |
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Consistency |
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The same word or phrase is used consistently to describe an item. |
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Link reflects the title of the page to which it refers. |
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Browser page title is meaningful and reflects main page heading. |
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Error prevention and correction |
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Users can rely on recognition, not memory, for successful use of the site. |
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Site tolerates a reasonable variety of user actions. |
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Site provides concise instructions for user actions, including entry format. |
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Error messages are visible, not hidden. |
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Error messages are in plain language. |
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Error messages describe actions to remedy a problem. |
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Error messages provide a clear exit point. |
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Error messages provide contact details for assistance. |
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Architectural and visual clarity |
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Site is organized from the user's perspective. |
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Site is easy to scan for organization and meaning. |
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Site design and layout is straightforward and concise. |
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Site design and layout are redundant only when required for user productivity. |
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White space is sufficient; pages are not too dense. |
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Unnecessary animation is avoided. |
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Colors used for visited and unvisited links are easily seen and understood. |
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Bold and italic text is used sparingly. |
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