Usability of ICQ
Written: Sep 13 '99
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Product Rating:
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Pros: vast number of features, it is the standard in web chatting software, huge installed base
Cons: difficult to download, difficult to install, advanced features are somewhat difficult to use
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| webword's Full Review: ICQ |
Let me give it to you straight. ICQ is not an easy to download, easy to install, or easy to use program. Going from "I want it!" to "Oh boy, it's installed and I'm using it!" is not all that simple.
Novice web users might get into deep trouble before they even get to the download page. First of all, if you go to the ICQ home page <http://www.icq.com/> you are hit with a very complex site. There is a ton of information to digest. It is hard to tell what is important and what is fluff.
Next, after you make it to the download page <http://www.icq.com/download/>, you have yet another set of choices to make. The download page is nearly as complex as the home page. It is somewhat clear, but I hate the extraneous information. For example, next to each download link there is information about the "build". Also, there is information about the software being "beta" versus "alpha". I think the novice user will be left befuddled. Engineers and programmers understand the jargon, but the average user won't.
Once you download the program (it is a whopping 5 MB), you have to go through the somewhat painful installation process. There are several questions to answer, and it isn't easy enough. I like computers and I understand how software works. I also understand, in general, how installations are supposed to work. However, this software was a real pain to get and install. I had to totally guess about what they information they wanted in some places during the installation. Ack!
After the software is installed, you get to use the program. It isn't too bad to use, but there are too many options and there is too much functionality. It is like driving a Corvette when you only really need a bicycle most of the time. I admit that you can set your preferences for “beginner” or “advanced”, but there is only a little difference. The program hooks you up with email, a web site, a pager, and more. It isn't clear how to use these things, but they are there.
I tried chatting with a friend and it wasn't all that easy. I had to grant them access to something, and they had to grant me access also. I could send messages, but I couldn't receive them. Then I got things straightened out. I think. Chatting should be much easier. I’ll do better with time, but why should there be this learning curve?
I can now chat with folks using ICQ but it still is not an easy or pleasant process. I know that there are millions and millions of people are using ICQ. But so what? It doesn't mean that it is easy to use. The overall process could stand to be improved, and the product improvements I’ve seen over time are based on functions, not ease of use. Usability doesn't seem to be important to the ICQ folks. This creates opportunities for other companies and products. Big opportunities. In the end, usability wins.
Summary: This product, and the process to get it installed, is too complex. The features are great, but I'll bet that most users don't care about them. Overall, ease of use needs to be improved. However, if you want to chat, you might need to get the software.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
webword
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Member: John Rhodes
Reviews written: 24
Trusted by: 89 members
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