A study to evaluate the design of Singapore blogshops

• Main Author: Chan, Sarah Wei Qi.
• Other Authors: Martin Erik Gustav Helander
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Industrial engineering::Human factors engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/50310
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This study explores the relationship between the design and usability of Singapore Blogshops and the effects it has on the customers’ intent to stay and browse and intent to purchase. Five Blogshops with varying design elements were chosen for this study. Firstly, an initial survey was carried out to obtain some background information about the participants and their existing wants and needs. Next, a usability test was carried out to collect more in-depth data. Information was collected through an evaluation form and through performing the retrospective think-aloud protocol. It was found that the design and aesthetic appeal of the Blogshop is positively correlated to the intent to stay and browse while usability and ease of ordering is positively correlated to the intent to purchase. However, different customers have different personal preferences and tastes, thus, the exact extent to how much each category affects the customers’ intent for both cannot be found easily. Future research into Blogshops can include investigations into the extent that design elements and usability elements affect the customer. With new and updated Blogshop technologies such as LJ Checkout as well as web technologies such as virtual dressing rooms, there will be even more areas for future research into the ergonomics of Blogshop design.