Hi Geoff,
Since you really seem to be after some data to backup the theory
versus the actuality have you considered doing some tests yourself?
You could for example use Google Analytics and their funnel [1] to
test the "click here" versus some of the other methods.
I think what is most difficult here is that if using a "click here"
or derivative labelled link results in, eg 30% more course signups
than a link that in theory is labelled more meaningfully, then it is
very hard to argue with the business benefits.
While many replies have discussed the theoretical reasons for not
using "click here" I have not seen any ask for example what solution
may be appropriate for the client and the users of the site. For
example, if this was a signup for a "web design" course then you'd
expect a certain level of internet awareness and surely a "register
for the web design course" would be appropriate. However, if it was a
cheesemaking course or drawing course do we still expect the same
internet literacy?
Ultimately the only way to determine the correct solution is to
collect your own data, even a generic study is not going to help if
the site's support team are being kept busy replying to confused
customers.
Nick
[1] http://www.google.com/support/analytics/bin/answer.py?
answer=26797&hl=en_US
That's not usability studies on this observation of user
experience. That is what I am saying I'd be interested to see.
Regards
Geoff Deering
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