Instantiating web sites quality models: an ontologies driven approach

One of the most important steps in a Web site quality evaluation project is the selection of which aspects to consider. In terms of methodology, this means defining a model for the site. In some cases it is possible to use standardized models, such as “syntactic ” models, but this is not possible when the evaluation must also consider aspects that have to do with the domain and the specific aims of the site or more generally when the evaluation aims to consider the “semantics ” of the site. The process of identifying and adapting a quality model requires, apart from time and resources, the contribution of experts in the domain of the site. In this paper we propose to use ontologies to improve the efficiency of this “instantitation processs”. To analyze the feasibility of the approach we have looked at two applications in the tourism sector. The results, while preliminary, are encouraging. Moreover, some critical and delicate points were identified as priorities for future research.