Abstract
This research initially aimed to evaluate the usability of a university website. A qualitative approach was employed, involving a short website questionnaire and eye-tracking recordings. The findings revealed significant and unexpected results, leading to the formulation of new research questions - specifically, regarding (1) the credibility of questionnaire-based data and (2) the observed phenomenon of varying information search effectiveness depending on the user's initial search point (i.e., starting from the website’s homepage versus an external entry point). The second phenomenon has been termed Initial Search Point Tunneling. The results suggest potential for faster and more effective information retrieval, which is a foundational activity in Digital Transformation. These insights may have implications beyond the academic context, particularly in the design of websites and internet services, with relevance to User Experience (UX), Customer Experience (CX), and Consumer Behaviour Studies.
Paper Type
Poster
DOI
10.62036/ISD.2025.105
Initial Search Point Tunneling – A New User Experience Perception Factor in Web Development
This research initially aimed to evaluate the usability of a university website. A qualitative approach was employed, involving a short website questionnaire and eye-tracking recordings. The findings revealed significant and unexpected results, leading to the formulation of new research questions - specifically, regarding (1) the credibility of questionnaire-based data and (2) the observed phenomenon of varying information search effectiveness depending on the user's initial search point (i.e., starting from the website’s homepage versus an external entry point). The second phenomenon has been termed Initial Search Point Tunneling. The results suggest potential for faster and more effective information retrieval, which is a foundational activity in Digital Transformation. These insights may have implications beyond the academic context, particularly in the design of websites and internet services, with relevance to User Experience (UX), Customer Experience (CX), and Consumer Behaviour Studies.
Recommended Citation
Wachowicz, J. & Nikodemska-Wołowik, A.M. (2025). Initial Search Point Tunneling – A New User Experience Perception Factor in Web DevelopmentIn I. Luković, S. Bjeladinović, B. Delibašić, D. Barać, N. Iivari, E. Insfran, M. Lang, H. Linger, & C. Schneider (Eds.), Empowering the Interdisciplinary Role of ISD in Addressing Contemporary Issues in Digital Transformation: How Data Science and Generative AI Contributes to ISD (ISD2025 Proceedings). Belgrade, Serbia: University of Gdańsk, Department of Business Informatics & University of Belgrade, Faculty of Organizational Sciences. ISBN: 978-83-972632-1-5. https://doi.org/10.62036/ISD.2025.105