Usability Study on Mobile Web Pre-Fetching

Abstract

Web pre-fetching is a technique that can increase the speed of web loading process. It refers to the operation of fetching information from remote web servers even before it is requested. This research approves a web pre-fetching method that is capable to decrease user-perceived latency in web browsing for mobile environment, in which it is essential as mobile devices have several limitations compared to normal desktop PC. Advanced Keystroke Level Model (KLM) technique was used where it predicted the interaction time of user with Mobile Web Pre-Fetching (MWeP) prototype and it is validated through the statistical method of single factor controlled experiments where user testing was done. Facebook was chosen as the case study where the usability evaluation based on advanced KLM technique supported that user access time with MWeP prototype decreased considerably while the usability evaluation through user testing implied that the mobile web pre-fetching prototype was satisfactory to user in terms of learnability, efficiency of use, memorability, error frequency and satisfaction. This research indicated that the utilisation of web pre-fetching is recommended in mobile environment as it effectively decreases user interaction time during web browsing that enhances user’s overall browsing experience. Based on advanced KLM technique, the total access time for mobile application with MWeP method decreased than those without MWeP.