Usability in web analytics software/saas is not less important than its features. I remember spending short time getting to know the latest features in GA. You might expect that with the more features the Web Analytics platform has, the higher the learning curve would be. In most cases that is correct, but the software should be developed with emphasize on the user. Sometimes when adding new features there is a need to re-organize the feature navigation and usage structure so it will be easy to grasp. Using a dynamic and smart helping system can also help. Someone told me that a well developed software doesn’t need any guides. I don’t know if it’s hundred percent true, but it should have the easiest learning That’s that’s what I am sure about.
When I first start using PERSONYZE™ behavioral targeting tool, I didn’t know that it would take me just a few hours to know my way around. The logic is very simple: Build a segment, Create an ActionGroup, Create an Action, Test and Optimize, Read reports. It seems that everything was thought well through, starting with the implementation of a customized dashboard, dynamic widget-able tables, dynamic help guides and top-notch customer support.
As you can see in the Segment table screenshot above, you just move your mouse over the arrow (Manage Action Groups column) and you get to see all the action groups that the segment is assigned to. You can duplicate segments by just one click on the “documents” icon near the segment name. Click the “i” icon to get a quick preview of your segment, without opening up the segment’s building tool.
The User Interface is well organized with tabs. When you are in the “Segment list” page, the tabs are logically organized: Patterns (segments) | Action Groups | Actions | Optimizers. When you click a segment, the tabs are dynamically reflecting the change (“Connected Action Groups” instead of “Action Groups” and “Connected Actions” instead of “Actions“). The platform uses AJAX (retrieving the data using JavaScript in the background) in order to change the data without page refresh. By intelligently utilizing JavaScript AJAX, you can work much faster and get the results faster. Using AJAX makes the UI looks more like a Web Analytics Software, rather than a SaaS solution. Pretty Cool!
The Dynamic help (explanation video)
Dynamic help guides are GREAT! – Makes it much easier to learn the new platform.
Another thing that I like about Personyze Web Analytics Software-as-a-Service is the fact that the left sidebar is collapsible. It means that you have more canvas space to work with. This is especially useful when working with low-resolution displays.
The breadcrumb at the top of each section is also very useful. It tells you where you are and you can go back easily by clicking the appropriate link.
Personyze SIMULATOR is a genius tool which let you create containers on the fly. You can view all the available containers in the page, assign new containers. You can do this even on your live website (note: only you will see the simulator box)
As Personyze™ Behavioral targeting and site personalization tools keeps evolving, we can expect it to get even better. For now, I am very pleased with the functionality, ease-of-use and the visualization features.
Usability is an essential aspect of every software development. I personally ditched some software because the usability was just awful and the learning curve was way too hard. Great to see that Personyze has done something about it.
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