NetNews
New look for the ABS web site - and more to come
The ABS web site has had a face-lift. Back in 1995 when the web site was launched, it quickly became one of the top ten government web sites. That hasn't changed, nor has the ABS' commitment to improving the usability of the site.
When designing the new look web site the ABS consulted a wide cross-section of people from a range of occupations and backgrounds. This included new users as well as frequent users of the site.
Pleasing all users all the time is a challenge, but the feedback we have received since the new look was released in August has been very positive. Users used to tell us that they couldn't find what they were looking for and that the site didn't look very professional. They are now telling us quite the opposite, and that they didn't realise the ABS published so much information. Assistance from our users in the development process has been crucial in receiving these positive results.
The ABS has adopted a 'softly softly' approach to changing the web site and at this stage AusStats and eLEP remain the same. They will change in 2005. As with the changes made in August, the content of AusStats and eLEP will remain the same but navigation will become more user-friendly. Related information will be linked together more intuitively and we aim to ensure that ABS clients are more easily able to see what information is available.
Work also continues on refining the search facility and adding an improved Advanced Search.
If you would like to provide your feedback on the ABS web site or for more information please contact me at mano.georgopoulos@abs.gov.au
Mano Georgopoulos
ABS Statistical Publishing Development
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