[Sigia-l] Web page "welcome" message

[Greg Richards]

The Scenario:
A new product sub-section is being added to a large HR/Employee benefits
portal. The site features a personalized home page with one-click access to
the products and services users are enrolled in.  The home page also
includes a subtle greeting to confirm user identity ( "Welcome, John Smith"
is included in the global navigation area). Users can also access individual
products from a "Products & Services" global nav button. An overwhelming
percentage of visitors to the site enter through the home page.

The Question:
If a user clicks through to a product section, is it appropriate to have a
generic "welcome" message on the product landing page? For instance, the
headline of copy on the landing page might be "Welcome to Auto Insurance
from the Major Insurance Company."  The overall site design includes clear
branding elements and section wayfinding indicators. Welcome messages are
not used elsewhere on sub-section landing pages and they are not addressed
by the styleguide.

When is a welcome message a good idea? When is it a bad idea? Is the concept
of a welcome message a "religious" issue (per Krug)  that only grows more
ridiculous under scrutiny?

-Greg

--
Gregory Richards
Sr. Information Architect
FCBi-NY Digital
v: 212.885.2802
f: 212.885.3516