Accessible Personalized Portals

Abstract

Web portals constitute a rapidly evolving medium for transferring information and knowledge, as well as for establishing the means for cooperation and the coordination of activities among different parties. More specifically, a Web portal is a Web site that provides a gateway to resources available on the Internet or within an intranet. A Web portal typically includes a number of facilities for access and navigation of information, socialization, collaboration, and trade, as well as other user aid facilities. Although portals are accessed by a wide range of different parties, most portals are designed with limited attention to the different individual needs and preferences of Web users. As a result, they often present serious shortcomings in terms of usefulness, ease of access and use, and subjective satisfaction of the users.