User participation in website development

Abstract

This paper discusses a research project that focused on the development of a new methodology for creating effective websites for marketing purposes. After reviewing the existing methodologies, it was noted that some key aspects were missing, including user participation and 'real interaction' (ie monitoring of user interaction with a prototype site). This situation will lead to user frustration with the website. A study was carried out to examine various methodologies from different disciplines to select the strongest aspects to be combined into a new participative methodology for developing websites. This new methodology was assessed by interview and questionnaires. This paper will discuss how user participation is considered an important aspect in website development and the relevant results from the Interview and questionnaire phases of the research.