Evaluating indigenous design features using cultural dimensions

Abstract

This study compares previous analytical findings in the area of cultural web design using Hofstede's dimensions with findings from a three year case study. This case study used an ethnographic and user-centric approach to better integrate cultural requirements into the website for a specific Indigenous community. We overview this design process and describe the ten key design features that were identified in the project. These design features were considered essential for capturing the cultural identity of the community. They are relevant to designers of indigenous websites and designers considering culture as part of their interface design process. We evaluate these design features by considering them in terms of Hofstede's cultural model. Some correlations have previously been found between Hofstede's cultural dimensions and the structural and aesthetic design features that are used in websites from different cultures. We compare the ten design features identified from our case study with the outcomes we might expect, given the measured position of the group on Hofstede's cultural dimensions. The best correlations occurred on the power distance index where the navigation, organisation and image content conformed with expectations. However, a number of contrary results were also found.