(I’m a little late on this one but I wanted to check the studies out for myself before commenting.)
Sean Carton on the recent study by Carleton University about Web site aestheitcs.
Researchers at Carleton University in Ottawa recently discovered that users make judgments about Web site design in as few as 50 milliseconds (a mere 1/20th of a second!). This judgment is an emotional reaction based on pure aesthetics and has nothing to do with usability.
A study by Questus confirmed the results.
I still have questions about the methodology and sample size for the study, but this is one of those things that “seems” to be true. (Seems is a dangerous word).
Most usability experts will tell you that Web browsing habits are idiosyncratic and it is difficult to create hard and fast guidelines for this medium; but nonetheless, I think it is safe to say that DESIGN MATTERS,. A LOT, when it comes to the success of your Web presence.
Carleton University, Usability, Aesthetics, Design, Study, Questus
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