Users Expect Associated Objects to be Hot
A text link and its associated graphic should both be clickable. We have seen this time and time again in our usability lab work. This is especially important when several links are listed closely together and/or their font size is small. The larger the clickable area, the more likely the user is able to click the correct link the first time. Also, for users that don’t have a steady hand, this is important to ensure accessibility.
Good examples: Online bookstores such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble will display a book title along with a picture of the front cover. Both the book title and the picture are clickable in order to read more detail about the book.
Yahoo has clickable icons and text links adjacent to the icons
Sears.com, Kohls.com, and JCPenney.com have clickable clothing with associated text links.
Here is an example of an implementation that could be improved: On a major travel site, ‘Las Vegas’ and ‘Caribbean’ are hyperlinked in the body of the paragraph, but not in the title area. As well, the associated photographs are not hyperlinked.
Webinar Sponsored by: Usability Sciences Corporation October 12, 2004 2:00pm EDT - 11:00am PDT
Online Usability: Best Prectices for Applying Usability Testing Eric T. Peterson Analyst, JupiterResearch Paula Vanderburg, Director Internet Marketing, LaQuinta Corporation Amy Belanger, Web Creative Manager, Kohl’s Department Stores