1. Issue

On the National Statistics web links page, the systematic repetition of the web site names before each corresponding item, drastically reduces scanability and reading speed (fig 1).

Fig 1. National Statistics web links page

Not only this repetition slows down reading, but also creates a distracting visual pattern.

2. Solution

Having read the name of the web site once, my brain has acknowledged it, thus making its repetition unnecessary.

To optimise scanning and reading speed, mentioning the web site name only once, and listing the corresponding items below provides an appropriate solution (fig 2).

Fig 2. The revised list, note that its width is also much reduced

In addition:

• The web site name has been bolded to attract the eye at once when scanning the page
• Links are coloured and underlined when rolled over, providing extra visual feedback (this is achieved via CSS properties).

 On this site
Ergonomica usability audit criteria.