Analysis Of The Effectiveness Of Navigation Structure On The Medan State University Library Website And North Sumatra State Islamic University
Introduction
In the current digital era, access to information is easier and faster, especially through the website. Two educational institutions, Medan State University (Unimed) and North Sumatra State Islamic University (UINSU), have a library website designed to support the information needs of students and the community. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of navigation structures on both websites. The method used in this study is descriptive, with purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected through a questionnaire that was distributed online for two weeks, from December 1 to December 14, 2017. After that, the data obtained was processed and presented in the form of frequency distribution, and was interpreted based on the percentage of respondents' answers.
Methodology
The study used a descriptive method with purposive sampling techniques to collect data from users of the Unimed and UINSU library websites. A questionnaire was distributed online to gather information about the effectiveness of navigation structures on both websites. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to the ease of use, clarity of menus, and accessibility of information on both websites. The data collected was then processed and presented in the form of frequency distribution, and was interpreted based on the percentage of respondents' answers.
Results
The results of the study showed that the navigation structure on the Medan State University library website was considered effective by 77% of respondents. This shows that users feel comfortable and easy to find the information needed on the Unimed website. Conversely, the North Sumatra State Islamic University Library website shows less encouraging results, where 51% of respondents stated that navigation on the website was not effective. This is a signal that there is a significant challenge in terms of design and ease of access on the UINSU website.
Discussion
Effective navigation structure is the key to improving user experience on a website. Users who have difficulty in navigating websites tend to feel frustrated and can switch to other sources of information that are more easily accessible. In this context, the Unimed website that reaches an effectiveness level of 77% shows that navigation elements such as clear menus, structured categories, and easily accessible information play an important role in creating positive experiences for its users.
On the other hand, UINSU with an effectiveness level of only 49% may need to do an in-depth evaluation of their website design. Factors that may contribute to this ineffectiveness can include confusing layout, unclear menu labels, or lack of efficient search features. Efforts to improve in these aspects are very important, especially to ensure that students and other users can easily find the information they need.
Conclusion
The importance of a good navigation structure does not only have an impact on the user's experience, but also in the image of the institution. Websites that are well designed can increase the credibility and reputation of a university, as well as attract more users to take advantage of the services provided. In this study, it appears that Unimed succeeded in creating positive experiences through effective navigation structures, while UINSU needs to consider strategic steps to improve aspects of navigation on their website.
Recommendations
Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:
- Unimed should continue to maintain and develop the effectiveness of its website, by ensuring that navigation elements such as clear menus, structured categories, and easily accessible information are always available.
- UINSU should evaluate and overhaul the navigation aspects of their website, by considering factors such as confusing layout, unclear menu labels, or lack of efficient search features.
- Both libraries should continue to innovate and improve services through the website, in order to support the optimal teaching-learning process.
Limitations
This study has several limitations, including:
- The study only collected data from users of the Unimed and UINSU library websites, and may not be representative of all users.
- The study only analyzed the effectiveness of navigation structures on both websites, and may not have considered other factors that may affect user experience.
Future Research Directions
Future research should consider the following directions:
- Conducting a more comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of navigation structures on both websites, by considering other factors such as user behavior and user satisfaction.
- Evaluating the impact of navigation structures on user experience and user satisfaction, by using other methods such as user testing and surveys.
- Developing a more effective navigation structure for UINSU, by considering factors such as confusing layout, unclear menu labels, or lack of efficient search features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study provides valuable insight into the effectiveness of navigation structures on the Medan State University library website and the North Sumatra State Islamic University library website. The results show that Unimed has a more effective navigation structure, while UINSU needs to consider strategic steps to improve aspects of navigation on their website. The study also provides recommendations for both libraries to continue to innovate and improve services through the website, in order to support the optimal teaching-learning process.
Q: What is the purpose of this study?
A: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effectiveness of navigation structures on the Medan State University library website and the North Sumatra State Islamic University library website.
Q: What method was used in this study?
A: The method used in this study is descriptive, with purposive sampling techniques. Data was collected through a questionnaire that was distributed online for two weeks, from December 1 to December 14, 2017.
Q: What were the results of the study?
A: The results of the study showed that the navigation structure on the Medan State University library website was considered effective by 77% of respondents, while the North Sumatra State Islamic University Library website shows less encouraging results, where 51% of respondents stated that navigation on the website was not effective.
Q: What are the implications of the study?
A: The study shows that effective navigation structure is the key to improving user experience on a website. Users who have difficulty in navigating websites tend to feel frustrated and can switch to other sources of information that are more easily accessible.
Q: What are the recommendations of the study?
A: The study recommends that Unimed should continue to maintain and develop the effectiveness of its website, while UINSU should evaluate and overhaul the navigation aspects of their website.
Q: What are the limitations of the study?
A: The study has several limitations, including the fact that it only collected data from users of the Unimed and UINSU library websites, and may not be representative of all users.
Q: What are the future research directions?
A: Future research should consider conducting a more comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of navigation structures on both websites, by considering other factors such as user behavior and user satisfaction.
Q: What are the benefits of a good navigation structure?
A: A good navigation structure can increase the credibility and reputation of a university, as well as attract more users to take advantage of the services provided.
Q: How can a university improve its navigation structure?
A: A university can improve its navigation structure by considering factors such as confusing layout, unclear menu labels, or lack of efficient search features.
Q: What is the importance of user experience in a website?
A: User experience is crucial in a website, as it can affect how users interact with the website and whether they will return to the website in the future.
Q: How can a university measure the effectiveness of its navigation structure?
A: A university can measure the effectiveness of its navigation structure by collecting data from users, such as through surveys or user testing.
Q: What are the key elements of a good navigation structure?
A: The key elements of a good navigation structure include clear menus, structured categories, and easily accessible information.
Q: How can a university ensure that its navigation structure is effective?
A: A university can ensure that its navigation structure is effective by regularly evaluating and updating its website, and by considering user feedback and suggestions.
Q: What are the consequences of a poor navigation structure?
A: A poor navigation structure can lead to user frustration, decreased user satisfaction, and a negative impact on the reputation of the university.
Q: How can a university improve its user experience?
A: A university can improve its user experience by considering factors such as user behavior, user satisfaction, and user feedback, and by regularly evaluating and updating its website.
Q: What are the benefits of a user-centered design approach?
A: A user-centered design approach can lead to a more effective navigation structure, increased user satisfaction, and a positive impact on the reputation of the university.