| This thesis addresses the topic of three-level menu structures for web sites by measuring the performance and preference effects of different menu hierarchies. Two studies were conducted, each using 16 different participants. The first study compared left and top menu positions across three menu levels. The results indicated a benefit when the first (primary) menu level was located on the left side of the screen. In addition, performance was benefited by grouping second and third menu levels in the same plane, whether at the top or left side of the screen. The second study included a comparison of right-side menus. The results confirm the benefit of grouping the second and third menu levels in the same plane, and suggest the value of locating the primary menu level on the right side. Finally, users preferred primary menus that were located in the left or right plane rather than the top planes. |
