Technical Guides   • ICP Operations • Reliable Measurements • Sample Introduction for ICP-MS and ICP-OES • Elemental Analysis of Zeolites • Silver Stability Facts • Pure Chlorite Developed by IV • Mercury Stability Facts • Part-Per-Billion Stability Study • Understanding Error Budgets     Consumer Guides   • Flexible Expiration Dates? • Investigate Credentials Before You Buy • What Makes a Site Secure? • Hazardous Shipping Guide • Certificate of Analysis Components • Expiration Facts You Should Know • Regulating Hazardous Materials • Credit Card Advantage • Shelf Life vs. Expiration Date     Quality Management   • NIST Traceability • ISO Simplified • Transition From QS-9000 to ISO/TS 16949:2000 • Lean Operations to Trim Expenses • Impressions of Southeast Asia's Quality System     Editorials and More   • New Evaporation Device Shows Promise Site More Friendly to Users • Industry After September 11th • Ion Chromatography SRMs in Danger

On September 16, 2002 Inorganic Ventures launched a new version of ivstandards.com. The site is sleeker, streamlined, and easier to use.

Why the Changes?

Every month, members of Inorganic Ventures' staff submit fresh content to appear on the site. This information can be useful to chemists and purchasers, but often goes unnoticed. A more intuitive navigation system became necessary to help users find the information they needed most, plus other treasures they may not be seeking.

Once again our developers hit the drawing board. This time web usability was the driving force. Usability tests were conducted several times to guide our efforts. Volunteers were brought in and asked to perform common tasks associated with the site. If a user had too much difficulty completing a task, then we knew some cosmetic surgery was necessary.

What's Different?

• Intuitive Navigation:
  Our navigation system was replaced with a simple "tab" scheme, popularized by sites like Amazon.com. Each tab presents a main section of our site. Links that lead to all pages within that section appear directly below the tabs.



• Faster Checkout:
  Users want to get in, get what they need, and get out. The improved site offers a faster checkout time -- less than two minutes for repeat buyers.



• Less Text:
  Typically, users don't read Web pages -- they scan them. Users tend to visually digest only the leading words. Thus, many of our pages have been rewritten for a quicker eye.



• Softer Colors:
  Many of the colors on our old Web site were a little "loud". The overhaul introduces cooler tones that are easier on the eye.

Homepage Comparison

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Our Thanks to You

Visitors who send feedback let us know exactly where improvements are needed. This overhaul was the answer to many problems that were presented by thoughtful users. Thank you for giving us the insight to enhance your browsing experience.