ABSTRACT
UNTIL RECENTLY, MOST WEB-BASED DEVELOPMENT WAS CONDUCTED IN an atmosphere largely forgiving and tolerant of the shortcomings associated with World Wide Web technologies and their interfaces. Most organizations had only one or two knowledgeable Web developers who were rarely challenged to meet standards comparable to those for traditional software applications. Web sites providing unique information or services encountered little or no competition from similar sites. Although there was no shortage of enthusiasts, expectations were generally low and interest was sustained merely by the Web’s novelty and potential. Similarly, the relatively small number of total potential users meant that any gains or losses resulting from a highquality or poorly designed Web application were mostly small, if not nonexistent.
