A usability model for government web sites

Abstract

A usability model is proposed for developers of government Web sites. The model is based on the findings of a study to identify potential usability barriers of state government Web sites when accessing information on government accountability. The model was then applied during a heuristic evaluation of fifty government Web sites. The model is based on four core usability components consisting of readability, reading complexity, navigation and supportability. The model is discussed in terms of its practical application for improving state government Web sites for the purposes of enhancing the usefulness and ease of use in navigating state government Web sites. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.