In a pair or in small groups, find three online shopping sites that sell similar types of merchandise (e.g., Backcountry.com, Moosejaw.com, REI.com). Consider the following questions:

■ Who are the target audiences of the websites?

■ What are some of the design features the websites offer customers?

■ How easily navigable are the home pages?

■ Are the websites organized with an F-shaped pattern?

■ How user-friendly are the websites?

■ How well do the websites’ search engines function?

■ How accessible are the websites for people with vision or mobility impairments?

■ Of the three websites, which is the best in terms of usability?
As your instructor directs,

a. Discuss the websites with your partner or small group.

b. Share your findings in an informal presentation for the rest of the class.

c. Write an email to your instructor containing your findings.