Comments on: Amazon.co.uk – a usability review

By: James

James — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:00:50 +0000

I have heard rumours that Amazon do not use any traditional Usability Evaluation methods. The method that they use is revenue comparison between Old site and New site. The new site is only released to a small subset of users. If the new site generates more revenue than the old, the number of users that then get the new site is increased.

I have problems with this method, and your review here adds to my theory that this method misses important feedback from users.

By: Phil Taylor

Phil Taylor — Fri, 30 May 2008 16:32:25 +0000

Haha … the old Amazon redesign trick fooled many a surfer including myself. But, one click and I realised that ‘Gifts & and Wishlists’ is not a hyperlink to MY wishlist. So I then clicked the small arrow to the right (I don’t think you have to hover … it can be clicked) and a small drop down box appears within which I can select my wishlist. Problem solved in about 30 seconds and I was used to it after about, well, the first go really.

The only other feature I use is the search. I would like to be able to have a ‘light’ amazon site with only my wishlist and the search available.

The old site was cluttered for my uses. The new site is cluttered for my uses. One was not less useable than the other FOR MY USES.

By: Fiona D

Fiona D — Thu, 22 May 2008 08:56:07 +0000

I agree – just wasted about ten minutes hunting for my wish list – found your post while googling for clues – Amazon’s help was no help. I’ll go and try again now…

By: Jackson Johnson

Jackson Johnson — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:24:01 +0000

Dear Sir/Madam

I read your article about amazon new format. Can you please let me know how can i open old design of this website amazon. I have very big problem with new design of amazon. Please help.

Thanks and Regards

Jackson