Critique+-+Tammy+Tran

Tammy Tran (UID: 111917440)
 * __ACCESSIBILITY of the 1800FlyEurope Web Site __**** ( **[])

1800FlyEurope is a travel website designed specifically to provide customers with all sorts of travel resources when traveling to Europe; i.e. flights, hotels, car rentals, even cell phone and GPS rentals, etc. Though their services are quite helpful and resourceful, their web interface is not as user-friendly.

The web site’s spelling, fonts, colors, layout, and the overall content is very adaptable, distinguishable and readable. The layout if clean and simple and the display of text and images is not overwhelming or congested. Headers are clearly labeled so users can easily locate where to perform searches, book flights or accommodations, view specials, etc. In general, the simplicity of this website’s layout and content makes it easy for users to understand the services offered through its interface.

In reference to aspects such as consistency, error handling, writing style, menu design, and overall aesthetic, they are unpredictable, inconsistent, and poorly designed. For example, the quick flight search feature on the homepage differs from the actual flight search page. There is a lack of cohesion between the various service pages. The design on the flight search page drastically differs from the hotels search page in terms of scheme and layout; it is as though each page was designed completely independently with no collaboration. While some search pages offer popup calendars to assist the customer with picking travel dates and dropdown menus to display a list of participating cities, there are other search pages that do not implement these features. Secondly, when a form is submitted incomplete, an error message is prompted on an entirely new page. To fix the error, the user is required to “go back” to the previous page where the error instructions are not displayed. Not only is this poor error handling but it also does not reduce short term memory load. Finally, the web page lacks useful feedback resources. When a user submits a search, there is no status bar but rather an infinitely, continuous ticking dial that does not give any suggestion as to the ETA of the end of a search. As a result of various design faults, there is an inconsistency and lack of cohesion throughout the overall web site’s aesthetic.

Overall the information architecture, navigation, audience appeal, privacy protection, credibility, and service concepts are fairly accessible and navigable but could be greatly improved. In reference to navigation, there are no useful shortcuts and no easy reversal of actions. After a user has performed a search, if the user wants to make any modifications to the existing search, the user must complete an entirely new search entry; there is no way to save previous searches. Furthermore, to confirm a purchase, the customer is required to fax his/her credit card information to the vendor within 24 hours of purchase, reducing security and efficiency. Though 1800flyeurope.com has various great services, the presentation of their services unfortunately hinders the delivery of their services.