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The list of possible "Kicks-outs" include (but is not limited to):
- an overwhelming amount of information
- technical difficulties
- information perceived to be outdated
- ads
- unacceptably slow download times
- confusing jargon or unknown terms
- content perceived to have little or no relevance to the user
- too much time required to comprehend the content
- unavailable products or information (i.e. broken links)
- too many or too few graphics
- links to another page that covers the current page.
- irritating or offending comments from others
- content from citizens in another community other than mine
- poorly produced media
- too many blog comments
- content with ideologies inconsistent with those of the user
"KICK-OUTS"
Whether it's a news headline, story or Web page, a common goal for reporters, editors, and designers is to professionally produce quality content that will attract and retain users' attention. A “kick out” presents an obstacle to that goal. Anything in the medium that competes with user interest is deemed a cognitive "kick-out." Kick-outs are responsible for users reading/viewing other content, going to another Web site, or terminating use of the technology all together. This research argues that avoiding potential "kick-outs" is equally important to attention-getting strategies.
Early research of text comprehension demonstrated that the most fundamental "kick-outs" were incoherent text and words that were unfamiliar to the reader. Today, more elements on a Web page and countless choices for other sites significantly increase the risks for "kick outs."
How long does it take to read the text or posted comments? How many photos or links are there and where do the links go? How long does it take to comprehend the entire Flash animation? Is there any thing to discourage or prohibit access to the content (such as large files to download or the requirement to register for access)? To what extent does this content satisfy ALL of the users' interests in community, state, national and international news?
In the context of the PICK design, if the content is not personalized enough for the user’s knowledge, experience or interest level, or has too much or too little interactivity, user attention may be "kicked out."
