Navigation behavior models for link structure optimization

Abstract

Analysis of existing methods for automatic optimization of link structures shows that these methods rely heavily on assumptions about the preferences and navigation behavior of users. Authors often do not state these assumptions explicitly and do not evaluate whether the assumptions are consistent with the actual behavior of the users of the site. This is a serious deficiency as experiments with simulated users show that incorrect assumptions can easily lead to inefficient link structures. In this work we present a framework that gives a systematic overview of alternative assumptions. On the basis of the framework we can select a set of assumptions that best matches the navigation behavior of the users in the site's log files. We also present a method for optimizing hierarchical navigation menus on the basis of the selected assumptions. This method can be used interactively under full control of a web master. The system proposes modifications of the structure and explains why these modifications lead to more efficient menus. Evaluation by means of a case study shows that the modifications that are proposed effectively reduce the expected navigation time while preserving the coherence of the menu structure.

What about people in pedestrian navigation?

“…The utility of rational choice was measured by Marschak (137) from the perspective of an economist. A systematic overview of alternative assumption in pedestrian behavior models (138) was introduced, which aimed to optimize the link structure. Additional research studies on behavior utility theory that focus on the pedestrian process in different environments are needed.…”

A semi-automatic usage-based method for improving hyperlink descriptions in menus

“…Others recommend possible adaptations and leave it to the webmaster to decide which adaptations are implemented (e.g. Nakayama et al, 2000;Hollink et al, 2007). These methods have in common that they improve the topology of the link structure, but not the descriptions of the links.…”

Siteguide: An Example-Based Approach to Web Site Development Assistance

“…Another related set of tools are tools that improve link structures of web sites, such as PageGather (Perkowitz and Etzioni, 2000) and the menu optimization system developed by Hollink et al (Hollink et al, 2007). These tools do not provide support on the contents of a site.…”