A Pilot study of the Interface Design of Cross-Cultural Web Sites Through Usability Testing of Multilanguage Web Sites and Determining the Preferences of Taiwanese and American Users

摘要

By conducting usability testing of a multilanguage Web site, this study analyzed the cultural differences between Taiwanese and American users in performing assigned tasks. Microsoft Office Online (MOO) supports both traditional Chinese and English and contains an almost identical interface design between the two language environments; thus, it was investigated. The results indicated that no substantial difference in the use of MOO existed between Taiwanese and American users. Both groups tended to use the search function to find information and locate unknown functions, and did not use the menu directly. Moreover, the Taiwanese and American users exhibited similar interface design and color preferences. However, differences in user preferences regarding motion elements and button styles were apparent. Suggestions for cross-cultural Web site design and directions for future research are discussed in this work.