Usability Study

Usability Study 

October 24, 2012 

Name of site: CNN News

URL: Cnn.com

COMMUNICATION & MESSAGE 

What is the sites purpose and message? 

It is to show news stories from all around the world.

Does the site convey a clear sense of its intended audience? Who is the intended 

audience of this site? 

It is geared towards everyone but in is a liberal news site.

Does it use language in a way that is familiar to and comfortable for its readers? 

Yes 

CONTENT 

Is the content organized in an intuitive manner?

Yes it is smile to find what you are looking for.

Is the site content appropriate for its intended audience? 

Yes for people who are looking for news it is perfect. 

Is page length appropriate to the site content? 

Yes the articles stay short so you can read it in one sitting.

USABILITY & INTERFACE 

Is the interface consistent throughout the site? Are all pages unified? (If so, give 

examples of how this is accomplished. If not, what suggestions can you provide to 

the site designer to create more unity throughout the interface?) 

Yes it never changes.  It keeps the same big CNN at the top of every page no matter where you are on the site.

Does the interface use a fixed or flexible layout design? 

Fixed at the top and flexible for the sides.

Do you have to scroll to view any of the content or information within the site? 

Yes some articles go past the one page mark.

Were all graphics appropriate and did they support the intended message of the site? 

(Which ones did or did not add value to the site?) 

Yes they all match the story information. 

Did it appear that all graphics were optimized for quick downloads? 

You were able to download many of the images.

Is the text of the site readable? What happens to the site layout and readability of 

the text if you change the browser settings for text size? 

Yes it all readable and changes with the size you want.

How would the page print? (Hint: Use the print preview option to view how the site 

would print – please save a tree, don’t actually print the page!!) 

It prints a printer friendly black and white version.

NAVIGATION 

Is the navigation easily recognizable? Is it consistent throughout the site? 

Yes it always is at the top.

Was the navigation easily learned? Did you have any trouble navigating the site or 

understanding how to access all the information within the site? 

No it is all categorized by news type example tech news world new and justice news is all split into tabs.

Did all of the links work properly? Are the links obvious in their intent and 

destination? 

Yes they are professionally done and done well haven't seen one link that led me to the wrong place. 

OVERALL SUCCESS 

What suggestions do you have for improving the navigation, interface, or usability of 

the site? 

I think it is great how it is and have a great thing going.