Windows Security Essentials misses primary goal of XP users
Posted Dec 21st, 2009 by garrettWindows Security Essentials
I recently discovered Windows Security Essentials and installed it on a new Windows 7 desktop. Satisfied with the product, I went back to the Web site, to see if Windows Security Essentials was compatible with Windows XP.
Was the team not focused enough on user tasks and goals? Or were they just focused on too narrow a set of users? In the scenario of Windows XP users, they missed the mark.
Use of images on the page
The images under the left navigation include Windows 7 and Windows Vista. The images don’t tie into the design and look more like advertisements, than a part of the page. The huge image in the center of the page might make traditional marketing types feel warm and cozy, but how does it help users’ accomplish their goals?
Who are your users, what are their goals?
Even if the team realized a user with Windows XP is not the primary audience for this page, they should link to a compatibility chart or provide enough information scent on the page to allow an XP user to achieve their goal.
User experience questions not appropriately researched or analyzed
- What are users’ primary & secondary goals?
- Is there enough information scent for users’ secondary goals?
- Which features are of most importance?
- How do you draw attention to them?
- Are images used effectively?
- Do the images help achieve users’ goals?
- Are images decorative, content or navigational?