Ajax and user experience

Sholom Sandalow, Friday, May 5, 2006 @ 6:14 pm

The increasing ubiquity of Ajax is becoming somewhat of a vicious cycle, as more demand creates more hype which creates even more demand.  As such, it presents interesting challenges for designers.  How do designers weight the pressure to 'Ajaxify', with the needs of the user. 

While Ajax does represent the beginnings of a new way of using the web, Ajax doesn't make sense all the time.  Yet it has become such a hot topic that design and development firms are experiencing more and more demand for anything 'Ajax'.  Frequently, those clamoring for the technology don't really know what it is, nor what it can be usefull for, but they know what they've heard...that it's the hot new thing, and there web site or web app is just not worth the browser its rendered on unless its got Ajax. 

The results can be frustrating to see.  For instance, have you ever come across an instance of a drag and drop module where a simple mouse click is so much easier and more effective?  Yeah it's cool...because, um...well, I'm dragging and dropping something...on a web site...and it's Ajax! 

Designers need to curb clients enthusiasm, so to speak, and make them understand that having the best web site doesn't mean using the latest and flashiest technologies.  It means applying a strong methodology, good user research, and an understanding of heuristic principles to build something that provides users with a useful and satisfying experience.

user experience design

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