Tripping Hazards: Where Do Patrons Stumble
on our Website?
Using Web Analytics for Site ImprovementMargot Hanson, California Maritime Academy
Annis Lee Adams, Golden Gate University
Internet LibrarianMon. Oct. 28, 2013
Problem: Patrons Tripping
● New university website w/out usability testing
● Anecdotal evidence suggested that the library website was confusing
Research Questions
● Where do our patrons get stuck on our website?
● What are they looking for?
Solution: Use data to clear the pathAnalyzed 4 data sources to improve the user experience of the library website.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/julianturner/603667067
TimelinePr
ojec
t Char
ter
Distrib
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patr
on su
rvey
Revie
wed
IM st
ats
Revie
wed
Goo
gle a
nalyt
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Patr
on in
terv
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Jan
2013
Feb
11-
Feb
22
Feb
27-
Mar
22
Feb
2013
Mar
ch
2013
Impl
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ted
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ges
Mar
ch -
June
Google Analytics PageviewsSept 24, 2012 - Feb 25, 2013
Patron InterviewsWe asked:
● What would you expect to find in the following sections?
We found out:● Titles & content
for navigation tabs
clipart.com
Before
After
Looking into the Future
Usability testingAnalytics analysis after changes
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bitterjug/870861414
Takeaways
● You don’t need mountains of data to make decisions!
● You can start seeing patterns after asking only a few people questions about your site.
● It’s an iterative process--you can make changes, and then make some more!
Questions?
Image Sources● http://www.clipart.com
● Street sweeper image via flickr user julianturner: http://www.flickr.com/photos/julianturner/603667067
● Crystal Ball image via flickr user bitterjug: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bitterjug/870861414/
