Why is the Apple Store so difficult to navigate?

Question

Level 1

4 points

Why is the Apple Store so difficult to navigate?

As a very enthusiastic advocate for Apple, I am surprised at just how difficult it is to navigate and use iTunes and the iTunes store. It seems that moving it to a web site based operation would make far mor sense. My question today is inspired by the realization that for the 4th or 5th time over several months, I gave up on finding and buying a movie I wanted. It is clear that if someone that is very driven to buy in iTunes becomes frustrated, I can only imagine how many others leave in frustration.
What am I missing?
Thanks

PB 867, Mac OS X (10.5.8), 1GB RAM 80g HD

Posted on Mar 28, 2010 6:48 PM

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Answer 1

roaminggnome

Level 10

106,401 points

Mar 28, 2010 7:28 PM in response to Matchka007

"What am I missing?"

The search feature. If you know what you want, it should be very easy to find.

I have had no issue with finding things in itunes.

You can leave feedback for Apple here:

http://www.apple.com/feedback

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Answer 2

R94N

Level 2

210 points

Mar 28, 2010 11:24 PM in response to Matchka007

I think because the Apple Store is right inside iTunes it makes it easier. It might be difficult for you to navigate it at times, but if it was on an external website I personally would think it was a bit of a pain...open iTunes, open Safari, navigate to the page...

If you have a title you want to buy, just type it in the search bar. It should be incredibly easy.

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Answer 3

varjak paw

Level 10

182,668 points

Mar 29, 2010 7:10 AM in response to Matchka007

Just FYI, the iTunes Store is a web site. It's just a specialized one that can only be used from within iTunes (which in part is a dedicated web browser that only accesses the iTunes Store). So in and of itself, moving it to a more "open" web site would be of no particular benefit without a change in design as well, something which could be done within the current structure of access should Apple decide to do so.

If you have specific suggestions and comments to make, use the feedback link that Gnome provided above.

Regards.

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Answer 4

Matchka007 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 29, 2010 4:52 PM in response to varjak paw

More specifically, I really miss the ability to open links in tabs and avoid the need to go forward and back as I investigate. Yes it may be a web site, however it does leave out much of the functionality of an average browser. It is also not very clear how to browse for material. I did just learn that hovering over a content section at top reveals a drop down list, which is a little better.

My theory is that the iTunes store design is along the lines of airline or travel sites that are designed to get you to invest time enough clicking and waiting. Enough that you will be just frustrated enough so not to want to loose the effort you have invested to find what you want. But not so frustrated that you click goodbye.
I am really looking for what others think.

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Answer 5

Matchka007 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 29, 2010 4:55 PM in response to roaminggnome

Thanks
I did send feed back as well. Just looking to see if there is any good reasoning as to the design of iTunes store. Why it is frustrating for browsing and does not incorporate features of common browsers and websites.

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Answer 6

varjak paw

Level 10

182,668 points

Mar 30, 2010 6:24 AM in response to Matchka007

It really doesn't matter what other people think. If it bothers you, that's sufficient. Submit your comments to Apple, and perhaps if enough other people say the same thing to Apple, things might change. Further discussion here, unless you're asking for suggestions on workarounds, won't do anything useful since we're all just your fellow users here.

Message was edited by: Dave Sawyer

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Answer 7

Matchka007 Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 30, 2010 10:25 AM in response to varjak paw

Thanks, As I said I did send feed back to Apple.
What I am looking for is obvious tips or tricks I may have missed. Like hovering your pointer over the media types in the top row to see subcategories.
Yes the search function works OK, It is more the browsing ability that I am frustrated by. Open in new tab or window, if there is a way to do that that someone knows of is why I posted here.

Cheers
Dan

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Answer 8

varjak paw

Level 10

182,668 points

Mar 30, 2010 10:32 AM in response to Matchka007

You might want to start a new topic and ask for tips on those functions you're specifically looking for or having problems with. The subject line of this thread looks like a rant and may put people off from reading. If you start a new topic with a subject something like "looking for workarounds or tips", you might get more response.

Regards.

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