KTH

On this page: Scope | Content| Graphic | Purpose | Workability | Cost


Scope

The names of the broad categories on the site's homepage are: General information, News & events, International information, Departements, Centres, Library. Even if the broad categories cover a large number of aspects, I had the impression that the english part of KTH website is more suitable for foreign students.

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Content

The text is clear and well-written and only in particular cases the sources of information are stated(see KTH presentation). All the pages are up-to-date, but let me report you a strange case: the update of "News & events" section is april 2000. (!)
There are no political biases behind the site, but I have sensed a politicking about the public debt forgivness for Third World.
The designers have chosen a light color of background and a suitable font size for each page.
Interesting materials on the Socrates/Leonardo programs are supplied.

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Graphic

The designers have taken a minimalist approach, and it seems to work. It's a very Spartan site, but being Spartan is not bad. The simple visual effects used (only soft colors and simple text ) enhance the resources, but sometimes a good rule could be the insertion of graphic effects that catch the user's attention.
On the other hand, this simple graphic design leads to very fast connections.
A great amount of information can be requested via e-mail or postal service using appropriate forms. Most of cases, in the "Link" section, the values of the site don't lie in its link: a good example is "Libweb Worldwide Libs", what's the meaning?

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Purpose

The clear division between "General information" and "Internal information" (swedish only) gives access to both students and administration workers.
Even if the site is addressed to everyone, news content is often difficult to be understood without proper knowledge.
A special external resource is furnished: KTH Online (a distance education service).

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Workability

Sometimes the english version has links anchoring swedish written pages.
In some cases, special software packages are required: streamings media are made with RealPlayer technology and forms are available in PDF format.
The organization scheme seems to be appropriate; however, more topic should be included into the homepage (using appropriate visual effects).
Now I report the results of my personal usability test obtained during the evaluation of this website.
Scores for each questions:
points for question n. 1: 3
points for question n. 2: 4
points for question n. 3: 4
points for question n. 4: 2
Average score:3,25. I found my way around the site without too much trouble.

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Cost

The sporadic usage of graphic effects enhance the speed of connection.

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Daniele Quercia 11/21/2000