What I look for in a PBEM website
I’m a relatively lazy person and I think everything should be easy. I’m a fan of Steve Krugs book titled “Don’t make me think”, about how websites should be so usable that the user should just be able to use a website without even thinking too hard.
Confusing navigation should be avoided
When I first visit a webpage I think it should communicate a lot of information straight away. As a web designer/developer I have to think about this problem daily. Creating a website without enough relevant content on the homepage will lead to a high percentage of your users navigating away instantly. They will only stay if they are “hooked” by the information and navigation items you provide.
A website should allow you to complete certain tasks that you want to do. For website about a PBEM site, I want to perform these tasks:
- Find out how this game is played
- Find out if the game is still running
- Find out how to join this game
- Find out how to contact the GM
- See the game’s posting archive
I think these are important for the following reasons:
Find out how this game is played
There are many types of text-based online role playing games, and these can be played in many different ways. Either by email, forum, or real-time chat. I want to know which type this game is. I don’t need a lengthy user guide explaining in great detail how to play, but I do need to know the basics.
