Learn if Your Web site Earns a Passing Grade in Page Structure and Organization

A July 2005 study by Forrester Research reported that over 50% of all sites failed to provide page location cues, good menu categories and effective contextual help. Attend the North East Ohio Usability Professional's next panel discussion to learn how key elements such as labels, navigation structure, position & relation of page items, and search options can be optimized to grab your audience's attention.

(PRWEB) September 18, 2005 -- What: Fall 2005 NEO User Design Experience Series - "Site Organization"

Where: Progressive Insurance - 6300 Wilson Mills Rd., Mayfield Village, Ohio

When: Thursday, September 22 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Cost: $20 for non-members, $15 for members, $10 for students

Why: The NEO User Design Experience Series offers area professionals the opportunity to interact with a distinguished panel of guest speakers each month this Fall.

"Site Organization" is the second in a four-part series of panels aimed at having an informative conversation about the topics and concepts that serve as the foundation to web site/software application construction.

Information Architecture is a discipline gaining momentum as companies come to understand the value of sound navigation/search, consistent page structure, and efficient content management systems. The September panel will discuss how they have organized user-friendly electronic information utilizing specific techniques while gathering a sound understanding of business objectives.

Panelists:

Andrew Dennee
Andrew is an Information Architect in the Cleveland office of WHITTMANHART, a premier services company providing integrated solutions in digital communications, process improvement and enabling technologies. His extensive portfolio is centered on sound information design utilizing cutting-edge technologies to solve complex business challenges ranging from corporate intranets to e-commerce. His work with the Flash Platform was recently featured in a publish.com article entitled "Flash Matures into Full-Fledged Platform", which highlights the innovative Color Visualizer tool he built for Sherwin-Williams.

David Robins, Ph.D. (Kent State University) Dr. Robins holds a Ph.D. in Information Science from the University of North Texas. His research foci are information architecture, visual explanations of complex constructs, and user interaction with information systems. Much of his published work concerns users' interaction with information seeking structures. He has developed courses in information technologies, information architecture and knowledge management which integrate theory with real world application. Dr. Robins has given presentations in the U.S., Mexico and Denmark.

Suzanne Galvez
Vice President and co-founder of eMergent Marketing, a local search engine marketing and conversion services firm. Over the past 10 years she's spearheaded multiple customer experience initiatives including usability testing, Web site evaluations, user research, surveys, and multiple user-focused redesigns. No stranger to Web site analytics, Suzanne's work focuses on employing the principles and practices of usability to increase conversion and return on investment. Suzanne serves on the board of the North East Ohio Usability Professionals Association (NEOUPA) and has been quoted on recent trends by Forrester Research and Marketing Sherpa.

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