A usability comparison of e-commerce shopping cart designs

In this study, data on user performance and subjective satisfaction while using the e-commerce shopping cart tool were collected. Literature (Gordon, 2000 and Lewis, 2002) suggests that users encounter difficulties using the shopping cart on e-commerce sites. Three variables and their effects on the user shopping experience were explored for 32 participants: Cart Type, Add-Item Destination Page, and Continue Shopping Destination Page. Based on the analysis, the benefits of a Persistent Cart (displays number of items and subtotal on each page while shopping) that brings the user to a Separate Cart Page after adding an item were demonstrated. In addition, when the user is on the Separate Cart Page, the benefits of returning the user to the previously viewed product page rather than the homepage were demonstrated. Recommendations for future research are also presented.