Needless to say, I pimped my blog out a little bit before taking this usability test to see how "user friendly" Steve Krug thinks my blog is to websters. That's not cheating, right?
The first category of the test is titled Use of Media. After much thoughtful consideration, I give myself a B+. I've used as much multi-media as possible in my handful of posts. I have not "trackbacked" to any other sites or blogs yet because I do not believe I have quoted any, but other than that I'm in pretty good shape. For future blogs my goal is to try to incorporate more videos and pictures for your viewing pleasure.
The second category is Scan-ability. I definitely bestow upon myself an A for this category. I will continue to separate paragraphs/ideas so my blog is easily scanned...although I do expect my readers to read the entire entry, ehem.
The third and final category is Design. This is the area I feel needs the most work throughout my blog. Right now I'd have to give myself a mediocre C+ (the plus was generous). My overall design is a bit generic, but I am working on it. The same goes for my colors and fonts; I don't find them overwhelming or uncomplimentary, they just aren't all that exciting. One upside of my blog is that I am not "noisy." Simplicity works for me. I am however, longwinded. My apologies Mr. Krug, I will try to eliminate (minimize) my use of unnecessary words, although I do thoroughly enjoy them. My site navigation is reliable (there is little navigation necessary) and I consider my blog titles to be at least engaging if not ingenious. As far as my "about section" goes, I have major work to do. When I first began "blogging" I had no idea which direction I would be taking, not now that I have a better sense of how I will be presenting my information to cyber space I will be re-vamping my "About Me."
I can't tell you what the average of a B+, A and C+ is (B maybe?), but I can tell you that I am definitely still an amateur blogger...amateur going on Webby Award winner that is.
"There's always room for improvement, you know - its the biggest room in the house." - Louise Heath Leber
I'm completely simpatico with you on the "voluntary wordiness" front—one of the fastest ways to make blogging a chore is to take away what makes it fun in the first place, and if for you that's being wordy, hell, I say go for it. If you've got interesting ideas and string them together fluidly, you should still net readers.
ReplyDeleteAnd I like your layout—the colors are highly complimentary, and everything's neat and clean. Better that than something cluttered and low on functionality.
Great job with your blog so far! I think it's very clean looking and I gave it the scan test and you definitely pass. The way you create links to names like Sir Ken is a great shortcut for viewers to find out what else you're interested in. I do think your color scheme is a little redundant but it's not tragic and I know they only give so many themes to chose from. You're layout it very simple and easy to maneuver around. I also need to improve on my ABOUT ME section. I hate when they put you on the spot like that don't you!?
ReplyDeleteAnother great thing about your blog is that your posts flow very well. It's great that you distinguish between ideas by separating your paragraphs. This makes the read much smoother and easier for the viewers. No one wants to read a huge chunk of text and not know what they're getting into.