Evaluation criteria for blog design and analysis of causal relationships using factor analysis and DEMATEL

The purpose of this study is to find the key factors influencing blog design, and explore the causal relationships between the criteria for each factor. Since design is a multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem, this study adopts a model which is a hybrid of factor analysis and the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method (DEMATEL). The DEMATEL method is used to simplify and visualize the interrelationships between criteria in making a decision. This study found five core factors that influence blog design: visual clarity, interface and usability, content and searchability, programming, and sociability. In addition, the key criteria for each factor were identified and the impact-relation maps obtained. The results of this study can provide useful guidance to blog designers for developing better blog platforms.

► This study found five core factors that influence blog design. In addition, the key criteria for each factor were identified and the impact-relations maps obtained.
► This study combined factor analysis and the DEMATEL method to analyze and visualize the interrelationships between the criteria.
► The application of the hybrid MCDM model not only provides designers with a better design strategy but also helps to avoid some unnecessary failures.
► The results of this study can provide useful guidance to blog designers for developing better blog platforms.