Credibility judgments in web page design - a brief review

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Information Science
• Communication Studies

Background:

• The importance of appearance analysis in human-computer interaction is increasingly recognized.
• Web content credibility is paramount due to the ease of online publishing.
• Research focus has shifted from utility and usability to trust, credibility, behavior, and user expectations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review factors influencing the perception of web-based content credibility.
• To highlight the growing importance of credibility in the digital age.
• To explore the interplay between user experience and content evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of credibility research in communication and HCI.
• Analysis of factors such as communicator expertise, trustworthiness, and dynamism.
• Consideration of web page aesthetics, browsing experience, and user experience.

Main Results:

• User evaluation of communication credibility is primarily based on perceived expertise.
• Trustworthiness and dynamism also play a role, albeit to a lesser extent.
• Aesthetics and user experience are emerging as key considerations in credibility assessment.

Conclusions:

• Credibility assessment is a complex process influenced by multiple factors.
• Understanding these factors is vital for designing trustworthy and effective web content.
• Future research should continue to explore the nuances of online credibility perception.