Evaluation of information classification on websites and impact of culture: A cross country comparison of information classification

Abstract

The structure of information classification has an important role in the usability of websites. A majority of cross cultural studies have emphasized on localized elements of interface design and termed them as cultural markers However, not many studies have pointed out on how the classification of information on the websites can be similar or different, especially for those communities who have recently joined the global community of the Internet. This research aims to investigate the information classification of users in different countries and compares it with information classification of a website. The study will evaluate how different demographical properties impacts on the information structure of websites. The study will also evaluate to what extent users' performance and productivity changes, when the information classification of website matches with the end users mental model. © 2011 IFIP International Federation for Information Processing.