Development Methodologies

Development Methodologies

This focuses on the systematic evaluation of travel websites . It critiques on the usability and efficiency of the sites under assessment The results of the evaluation are then used to develop a prototype correcting the undesirable points and further improving them

Part 1 : Evaluation of six travel sites

Six travel websites are evaluated . These are the Orbitz .com Travelbag .co .uk , Expedia .com , Easycruise .com , SeatGuru .com and FerryTravels .com

Site 1 : http /www .orbitz .com

The Orbitz travel website features various vacation and travel packages Its

main page shows options for each category as well as large advertisements for their promos . Each category is segregated into tab menus , making it easier to browse between them . Also , important and frequently used functions are available in the main page . Transition between menus takes less time

However , its graphical interface is not that good . Contracting colors which is not appealing to the human eye , are used . There are too many subdivisions in the main page , confusing the users on which one to read first . The Sign-in component is not noticeable . Also , the fonts used are dull and monotonous

Figure1 . The Orbitz .com 's main page

Site 2 : http /www .travelbag .co .uk

Travelbag 's itinerary searching feature has the capability to sort the search results by any desired criteria . It hastens booking time since it helps you identify your option easily . It also features a pop-up calendar for easy date inputting . Its input fields are clearly marked on which of them are required or not . It helps on saving time by not filling in the unnecessary fields

However , the site 's layout is too simple to attract customers . Its graphical interface is unappealing though it is not too harsh for our visuals . It also contains less feature for site navigation

Figure2 . The Travelbag 's main page

Site 3 : http /www .expedia .com

Expedia 's travel site is a well-organized one . Its main page clearly gives an option on what you need to do . It gives suggestions on how to plan your travel well . Also , its colour theme is appealing . Menu items are arranged in a straight line across the title area , and no unnecessary icons are displayed . The login menu is easily seen at the upper-right corner . It also uses clean and elegant font types

Navigation through the page is easy and fast . It takes only a few seconds to build an entire itinerary . But some links , such as those in the special deals , are broken and doesn 't seem to take you anywhere

Figure3 . The Expedia 's main page

Site 4 : http /www .easycruise .com

The overall notion of simplicity is showcased in this site . Their color and image combination is calming to the browser 's eye . Not much links and information is packed into the mainpage . It only shows the important navigation links . Its menu is very structured . It also features a clone of itself in Greek language for the convenience of Greek users

The attraction...