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Media: Digital Web runs Lash's Thoughts on Web Footers


Source: Digital Web, 27 February 2004
Submitted by Ann Light

"More Than Just a Footer" by Jeff Lash looks at the bits of websites normally written off as invisible.

'The typical footer links — About Us, Feedback, Copyright, Privacy Policy, etc. — are indeed useful, but not necessarily the things a user is looking for when reaching the bottom of the page. During countless usability tests, I have observed users who scroll to the bottom of the page when they are lost, only to be left helpless by the generic footer navigation,' says Lash.

And for those 'that suffer "footer designer's block," three inventive approaches are noted below':

* An out-of-site map, to support navigation
* A 'Rate it' feature, to give feedback
* A 'Sell it' slot - though Lash does point out that what Amazon recently introduced as "Bottom of the page deals" will only work as a hidden bonus, not the basis of a sales strategy.

A lively piece on an underused detail...

 


External link to another web site Associated Link:
Digital Web: More Than Just a Footer


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