Trunk Test and Evaluation Report
By Eileen Dittmar
January 20, 2005
Applying Steven Krug’s Truck Test principles to Ford Motor Company, Drugstore.com, and PBS.org, the following is my report and feedback. I must be honest and share that while I’m not much like an expert to be critical with these professional websites -- it was fun!
Ford Motor Company
Site ID
Yes (and tag line)
Page name
Yes “Ford Company Home Page”
Sections and subsections
Really good to see different sections with choices of color and wordings and pictures.
Local navigation
Easy and creative with arrows and menu from home page. Once inside the site, hummm… you have to “think” if you want to get back home
You are here indicator’s
Improvement may be in order for this one. Yes, there is a page identity for each element, but going back inside is a challenge to know where you are
Search
Good searching from home and everywhere
Concluding Remarks by Eileen
The information available appears complete and the home page is very good. My version would have better “you are here” indicator within the sections and site map navigation for each page.
Drugstore.com
Site ID
Yes (and tag line)
Page name
Yes
Sections and subsections
Lots of tabs right in the middle for each section; store directory, marketing opportunities “click here to redeem”
Local navigation
Neat that the same tabs appear no matter which page you are on. The shopping area is also the same for ease in checking out, etc.
You are here indicator’s
You know where you are because the tab changes color
Search
Good searching
Concluding Remarks by Eileen
Not much improvement is needed here to fit the truck test in my opinion. There is an area to ask questions which is lacking in some sites. And they have their phone number easy to find.
PBS
Site ID
Yes
Page name
Yes
Sections and subsections
Good array of sections
Local navigation
NAV bar for each page
You are here indicator’s
Yes
Search
Creative substitute word is “explore”
Concluding Remarks by Eileen
Try as I might think, I cannot come up with any suggestions. Thinking of this as a service to compete with the national services, I found the site fun, informative, easy to follow. The overall appeal is conservative with black formatting around their top NAV bar and at the sides. With their constant updating of pictures, this does have a solid appeal.
Reference
Krug, S. (2000). Don't make me think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability.