Shocking news, everyone! Age plays a factor in how we figure out Web site navigation! According to a new study in the journal
Psychology & Marketing, younger kids do better with maps and visual “learning clues” while older kids are better at scanning lists of content.
Younger children (ages 7 – 9) preferred a map because they tend to process information holistically. Older children (ages 10 – 13) were better able to use a content list, because they are more equipped to select information and ignore irrelevant material.
This might smack of “Well, obviously” since older kids are generally better readers; but not all Web designers have kids, and not all Web sites are designed by intelligent, rational people with a commitment to their users. Studies like this will help those intelligent, committed Web designers explain ... Read more »
