From Apply Now,
Your Guide to Web Usability.
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RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a data format used to publish frequently updated digital content such as blogs, podcasts and news from mass media websites.

RSS is most attractive because it saves people time while also providing them with the latest updates on information they have requested. Frequently, people have websites they visit regularly to check for new information on their favorite topics. Without an RSS reader they must visit the sites often to look for updates. Sometimes there are updates and sometimes there aren’t. This browsing can be extremely frustrating and a complete waist of time. RSS readers allow people to designate their favorite content and get updates without having to check for them. Similar to an email inbox, you simply receive a message. New content finds you when it’s available.

Two types of readers: the computer and online versions
RSS readers, or news aggregators, are tools used for retrieving this syndicated content. Each have their own usability advantages.

The “computer version” is software installed in a computer. It’s looks and acts similar to E-mail. Using this version is faster and more comfortable. It works in a modern web browser like Firefox, Opera, or Internet Explorer 7. Popular computer version readers include:

• Firefox LiveBookmarks
• Feedreader
• Thumderbird
• NetNewsWire
• FeedDemon
• iTunes(for podcasts)

The “online version” is usually a website that works like a desktop application. It collects the RSS feeds and displays their updates. This version can be accessed by any computer connected to the Internet. It means that it’s possible to have the same account accessed by a computer at home and at the office. Your account will always be synchronized, which means that content read in the office will be shown as read at home also. This kind of reader is also very popular. The most used online readers include:

• Netvibes
• Pageflakes
• Google Reader
• Newshutch
• NewsGator online
• Rojo
• My Yahoo!
• Bloglines

Bloglines, one of the first web-based news aggregators, works as a real application on the web. It aims to work exactly like a computer version readers, but with advantages like synchronizing, searching, publishing and sharing.

Like Netvibes and Pageflakes, My Yahoo! is also a reader, but the product’s approach is quite different. It is a personalized environment that brings more than fresh news. It can double as a start up page with features like: web search, message center, weather information, maps, calendar, calculator and much more.

One of the decisions that has made My Yahoo! such a success was based on usability. The My Yahoo! team realized that even people who might not be extremely technologically savvy would be interested in subscribing to RSS feeds. These people might be confused by the XML that other readers included. So, Yahoo! created a simple image button with the label “Add to my Yahoo!” This created a simple way for people to subscribe to RSS feeds and have a My Yahoo! account without knowing the technology behind RSS.

The RSS use is growing around the globe, and the challenge for usability professionals is to make it simple for people to use it, without necessarily needing to understand it.