Web Usage Analysis Discussion

Date and time:
January 24, 2005 (Monday)
7:00-8:30 p.m.

Location:
Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Clarendon Market Commons
2800 Clarendon Blvd. Suite 500
Arlington, VA 22201
703-248-8244

Description:
"How many hits is my Web site getting?" "What pages are people looking at?" "Where are my users getting stuck?"

Usability specialists working with web sites and web-based applications are often faced with questions like these, which can be answered through the use of web log analysis tools. A web server generates log files that contain information about which pages are requested, when, and by whom. Cookies allow you to track usage more accurately because you can follow an individual user's clickstream. But once we have this raw information, we need to know what to do with it -- and the answer is not necessarily straightforward. A wide variety of software is available for analyzing server logs (e.g. WebTrends, SuperStats, LiveStats, Webalizer, Accrue, CrossCut), ranging from expensive to free. However, the techniques and best practices for conducting a usage analysis are still evolving. Many of us are experimenting with web log analysis and wanting to know more.

If you have questions about web usage tracking, or if you are an expert, please join us for an evening of informal discussion and idea sharing on this important subject.

The discussion will include topics such as:

• How should you determine what data to track for your application or web site?
• What software do others recommend for usage log analysis?
• How can you interpret the web server log files?
• Which types of issues are easy to analyze, and which ones are difficult?
• What can you learn that can improve design?
• What are inherent limitations of Web server log data?
• How can we protect user privacy while still getting the information we need to make our sites/applications usable?
• How do you create customized reports to meet your needs?
• What pitfalls should you be aware of to avoid misinterpreting your results?

Registration:
Advance registration is recommended. You can register using our online registration form.

Cost:
Free

Directions to the Program:

By Metro:
Clarendon Market Commons is on Clarendon Blvd, one block from the Clarendon (Orange Line) Metro station.

Driving directions from Maryland:
Take the Beltway into Virginia, then take I-66 east. At exit 72, turn right onto ramp (towards US-29 / Lee Hwy / Spout Run Pkwy). Bear right (east) onto US-29 [Lee Hwy]. Bear right (south) onto N Highland St Bear left (south-east) onto N Edgewood St (turn may be restricted).

Driving directions from DC:
Take Key Bridge to US-29 [Lee Hwy]. Turn left (south) onto N Highland St. Bear left (south-east) onto N Edgewood St (turn may be restricted).

Driving directions from specific locations can be generated at the Barnes and Noble web site by entering the zip code for the Clarendon store (22201) in the store locator form.

Contact the for events-related issues.

UPA DC Metro maintains a code of professional ethics to encourage the free expression of ideas and assure the security of our members and guests. We reserve the right to exclude or remove any individual and to limit meeting attendance if necessary.