This study is based on the “Bussola Project”, a two-years project in university counseling and careers guidance services, funded by Italian Research Ministry. The primary goal of this paper is to create a resource that can assist in the design of Internet Web sites specifically for counseling and career centers. Several questions are strategic for a Web site design: who does (or should) the Web site serve? What are the needs of the users? What resources are available (or should be available) to meet user needs? The selection of Web site design features are discussed: while content is always the core of a good Web site, it can only be useful with careful planning of design, navigation, technology, and adherence to ethical concerns. A good web-site design should enable the user quickly to (a) develop a mental model or schema for site navigation; (b) locate resources and services that meet their needs; (c) understand what to do with the resources and services they receive; (d) does not overwhelm the user; (e) helps the user anticipate which of their needs can be met and what outcomes may be delivered by the items offered. Building upon the Project experience, results of the evaluation are used to indicate needed improvements in Web site design and use.
ICT for Counseling and Careers Guidance Services
PALOMBA, Elisa
2009-01-01
Abstract
This study is based on the “Bussola Project”, a two-years project in university counseling and careers guidance services, funded by Italian Research Ministry. The primary goal of this paper is to create a resource that can assist in the design of Internet Web sites specifically for counseling and career centers. Several questions are strategic for a Web site design: who does (or should) the Web site serve? What are the needs of the users? What resources are available (or should be available) to meet user needs? The selection of Web site design features are discussed: while content is always the core of a good Web site, it can only be useful with careful planning of design, navigation, technology, and adherence to ethical concerns. A good web-site design should enable the user quickly to (a) develop a mental model or schema for site navigation; (b) locate resources and services that meet their needs; (c) understand what to do with the resources and services they receive; (d) does not overwhelm the user; (e) helps the user anticipate which of their needs can be met and what outcomes may be delivered by the items offered. Building upon the Project experience, results of the evaluation are used to indicate needed improvements in Web site design and use.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
