Watch out for the preview: The effects of a preview on the usability of a Content Management System and on the users’ confidence level

As time moves on, a trend crystallizes that sets new requirements on Content Management Systems. The circle of users shifts from a small technically experienced group to a large network of inexperienced editors. Literature stresses that a higher need for usability is present if personnel with a low grade of human computer interaction expertise is using a system. But how can system designers accomplish a high level of usability? This study suggests a preview as an important factor for strengthening the usability (effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction) of a Content Management System. The findings of this study support the hypothesis: the results showed that a preview enhances the users’ satisfaction with the system. Moreover, the study shows that the users’ confidence to be able to work with the system is an important factor; the results showed positive correlations between confidence and satisfaction and between confidence and effectiveness.