The Internet is increasingly used as the first place to turn for information. Many people who want to quit smoking see the Internet as a less-threatening and low-commitment way to search for information and assistance. What sort of interface helps these users to find and use relevant content?

Quit Victoria first developed a website in 1995 in response to the need for students and researchers to get immediate access to tobacco-related information. Subsequent changes to the website had been tested with broader audiences but had not focussed on people interested in quitting smoking.

Strategy:

Beginning in 2005, Quit Victoria's website was examined for its ability to provide information for people wishing to quit smoking and its ability to encourage long-term behavioural change through the inclusion of adaptable and straightforward advice and tools.

Quit Victoria's website redevelopment was examined in a four step process: review of internal data; card sorting; taxonomy and visual design review; and user testing.

Recommended improvements were incorporated in the newly developed site launched in 2006.

Conclusion:

Six-month evaluation identified a range of improvements resulting from the redevelopment. Understandings from the research have been used to inform further development.