Content preparation guidelines for the web and information appliances : cross-cultural comparisons

Content preparation is an integral part of the usability equation: it answers the question of what information is needed for effective decision making. Once content preparation has been established, the question "how to present what" can be answered. Content Preparation Guidelines for the Web and Information Appliances: Cross-Cultural Comparisons provides a theoretical foundation and operational tools to effectively prepare content so that users are able to make correct decisions regarding the purchase of goods and services.

Traditionally, human aspects of computing have been assessed by usability evaluation methods, which determine how well the system is designed for joyful, satisfying, and productive use. But, effectively designing the how without providing a solid foundation for designing the what can not result in effective web and information appliance-based operations. This book presents a review and reappraisal of the science base of content preparation and descriptions of four major studies on content preparation involving more than 1,200 participants. Based on these studies, it establishes a factor structure of content preparation and relative importance of each factor in effective decision making and concludes with guidelines for the design of content for a variety of populations.

Unlike previous publications in usability that have predominantly concentrated on how to present information, this book focuses on what information should be presented and the information appliances for different cultures. With a cross-cultural comparison and a review of fundamental theories, the book not only answers the question of what information needs to be presented for effective decision making, but also addresses the impact of culture on content usability.

• List of Figures p. ix
• List of Tables p. xi
• Preface p. xiii
• About the Authors p. xv
• Chapter 1 An Overview of Content Knowledge p. 1
• 1.1 Individual Factors p. 1
• 1.2 Design of Tasks and Jobs p. 3
• 1.3 Human Decision Making p. 3
• 1.4 Content Preparation p. 4
• Chapter 2 Background Literature p. 5
• 2.1 Introduction p. 5
• 2.1.1 Overview p. 5
• 2.1.2 Information Quality p. 6
• 2.1.3 Usability p. 9
• 2.1.3.1 ISO 9126 p. 9
• 2.1.3.2 ISO 9241-11 p. 10
• 2.1.4 A Definition of Content Preparation p. 11
• 2.2 Content Preparation for the World Wide Web and Information Appliances p. 13
• 2.2.1 World Wide Web p. 13
• 2.2.1.1 E-Commerce p. 14
• 2.2.1.2 E-Advertising p. 17
• 2.2.1.3 E-Education p. 18
• 2.2.1 A Emerging E-Environments p. 20
• 2.2.2 Information Appliances p. 21
• 2.3 Cultural Differences p. 23
• 2.3.1 Among American Populations p. 24
• 2.3.1.1 Digital Divide: Impact on Internet Behavior p. 24
• 2.3.1.2 Subculture Perceptions: Impact of Culture on Internet Behavior p. 26
• 2.3.2 Among American and Chinese Populations p. 27
• 2.3.2.1 Influences of Cross-Cultural Differences p. 29
• 2.4 Summary p. 34
• Chapter 3 Factor Structure of Content Preparation p. 37
• 3.1 Overview p. 37
• 3.2 Study 1: Factor Structure of Content Preparation Based on American Population-African and Caucasian Americans p. 38
• 3.2.1 Survey Construction p. 38
• 3.2.2 Procedure and Participants p. 39
• 3.2.3 Factor Analysis p. 39
• 3.2.3.1 Factor Structure Derived from the Satisfaction Scale p. 43
• 3.2.3.2 Factor Structure Derived from the Importance Scale p. 45
• 3.3 Study 2: Factor Structure of Content Preparation for E-Commerce Web Sites Based on Chinese Industrial Population p. 46
• 3.3.1 Survey Construction p. 46
• 3.3.2 Procedure and Participants p. 46
• 3.3.3 Factor Analysis p. 50
• 3.4 Study 3: Factor Structure of Content Preparation for E-Commerce Web Sites Based on American and Chinese College Students p. 51
• 3.4.1 Survey Construction p. 51
• 3.4.2 Procedure and Participants p. 54
• 3.4.3 Factor Analysis p. 57
• 3.5 Study 4: Factor Structure of Content Preparation for Information Appliances Based on Chinese Population p. 58
• 3.5.1 Survey Construction p. 58
• 3.5.2 Procedure and Participants p. 61
• 3.5.3 Factor Analysis p. 62
• 3.6 General Factor Structure p. 65
• Chapter 4 Cross-Cultural Comparison of Content Preparation p. 73
• 4.1 Overview p. 73
• 4.2 Cross-Cultural Comparisons p. 74
• 4.2.1 Product Descriptive Information p. 74
• 4.2.1.1 Economic Attributes p. 74
• 4.2.1.2 Sensory Attributes p. 81
• 4.2.1.3 Product Performance p. 85
• 4.2.1.4 Technology Description p. 87
• 4.2.1.5 Manufacturer Information p. 89
• 4.2.2 Operational Information p. 91
• 4.2.2.1 Transaction Information p. 91
• 4.2.2.2 Purchase Advice p. 96
• Chapter 5 Guidelines for Content Preparation p. 97
• 5.1 Overview p. 97
• 5.2 Content Preparation Guidelines p. 100
• 5.2.1 Guidelines for Reducing Perceived Online Shopping Risk p. 100
• 5.2.1.1 Perceived Financial Risk p. 101
• 5.2.1.2 Perceived Performance Risk p. 102
• 5.2.1.3 Perceived Psychological Risk p. 103
• 5.2.1.4 Perceived Inconvenience Risk p. 105
• 5.2.2 Guidelines on Product Attributes and Functions p. 108
• 5.2.3 Limitations and Recommendations p. 109
• Appendix A Content Usability Survey for Study 1 p. 113
• Appendix B Content Preparation Questionnaire for Study 2 p. 127
• Part I Demographic Information p. 127
• Part II Online Shopping Survey p. 128
• Appendix C Web-Based Survey of Content Information on E-Commerce Web Sites for Study 3 p. 141
• Appendix D Content Preparation Questionnaire for Information Appliances for Study 4 p. 147
• Part I Demographic Questions p. 147
• Part II Content Questions p. 148
• References p. 161
• Index p. 171