Designing for Advanced Users

by Andrew Hinkelman

In this article:

Introduction: Raising the Bar

Much discussion in web usability in recent years has revolved around designing web sites which are intended to be easily accessible by even the least technologically advanced user. This attempt to attract the highest number of visitors is especially appropriate for promoting and selling goods and services. The inexperienced user unaccustomed to reading text displayed on monitors and unable to efficiently download multimedia files should not be alienated by highly detailed or stylized web writing or a lack of bandwidth. Yet, there are more-advanced users on the web that designers should consider when appropriate.

In many ways, experienced computer users are an elusive group. The qualities that once distinguished them from less knowledgeable users are becoming more commonplace and may in the future be regarded as standard. Computer users in general are becoming more comfortable and experienced with computer technologies, and often utilize the Internet for intellectual pursuits like information gathering or learning new skills. Furthermore, access to higher bandwidth Internet connections continues to increase. The following sections discuss these qualities in reference to an advanced or experienced user. Again, keep in mind that what may be regarded today as technologically advanced is likely to become more standard in the future.

To top