In addition, the usability consultancy found many standard Web sites do not perform well on the device, suggesting marketers may find more value investing in iPad specific sites.

Describing the research in a blog post, report author Jakob Nielsen outlined key findings and flaws across a range of applications currently available for the device. Among the main issues, he said, is that apps tested are "inconsistent and have low feature discoverability, with frequent user errors due to accidental gestures." Despite the device being hailed by many as a potential savior of print media, he added that "an overly strong print metaphor and weird interaction styles cause further usability problems," and urges application developers to suggest web-like navigation commands such as back buttons and clickable headlines and titles.

Though the report is presented as preliminary research and based on findings from only a handful of study participants, Nielsen suggests that in light of the attention the device is attracting from developers and marketers alike, "It would be a shame for apps to be designed without the benefit of the usability insights that do exist, despite the gaps in our current knowledge."

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