Using content analysis and Web design heuristics to evaluate informational Web sites: an exploratory study

Ideally, Web site usability should take place during the design phase of Web sites, but when this is not feasible, the combination of content analysis in conjunction with established Web design heuristics can indicate problem areas for usability testing and remediation. This study evaluated the usability of navigation, information display, comprehensibility, and accessibility elements of passenger preparedness information on 214 U.S. commercial service airport Web sites using content analysis techniques based on published Web design heuristics. Lessons learned provide recommendations for other content analysis research based on Web design heuristics.