More info link, pop-up, same window, java....suggestions?

[NoHarleys]

I have a custom decal site and I am looking to make the site more user friendly. My problem is that I have several ways to customize each design (color, size, adding a second color, flipping the design, etc.) While experienced customers may know what they are doing, first-timers may have questions about what each option does. And there can be A LOT of information on some of the products so I can't put it on the product page. So I have links to "more information".

My question is what do you feel is the best way to give the customer the option to look at the extra info? I was considering a "preview" style pop that I have been seeing lately (like download.com uses) but not really sure how it works. Open to any and all suggestions.

[Webnauts]

See here why you should avoid forcing to open in a new window.

[wige]

The Microsoft web site has something like this that uses AJAX, where they have a list of topics, and after each topic is an invisible div container with the detailed information. When you click the title, the information is made visible using javascript.

[RegDCP]

NoHarleys,
A couple of things come to mind.
One is to put an explanation of the option in the purchase routine when you are offering a drop down list of options or checkboxes.

If the explanation is too long I would consder opening a new window with a fixed size, smaller than the order page so there is no confusion in the visitors eyes. Prefixing the link with "Link opens in a new window, close to return" can help also.

As Webnaughts link states, (as it opens in a new window, < grin>), Java varieties are not a good idea.

Reg

[weslinda]

AJAX will be the future answer to this issue.

The real question here can be just how much information are you providing? Since it seems that many of these options are similar across your site, I would offer some type of "tutorial" to educate your users on what is available.

This might be best and make your site more "usable" to all visitors.