May 9, 2008, 4:24 pm

Website Design

Usability

 

It is time to consider the means for ensuring that readers, or users, can successfully use a web page in a manner that suits their needs.

Usability concentrates on the means of achieving satisfaction for users by providing effective and efficient means for achieving the tasks they wish to perform. In other words, you want to keep the user happy and not drive him, or her, away. This requires an understanding of the basic design concepts of Human Computer Interaction (HCI).

The study of the relationship between a user and a User Interface (UI) forms the basis of user-centred design. An analysis of usability requires the designer of an interface to answer a number of questions. For example:

• Does the interface aid or hinder the user?
• Can the user successfully complete a task in a safe, comfortable and efficient manner?
• Is the interface simple and intuitive to use?
• Does the UI overload the user's memory?

As Don Norman once said, "Don't think technology: think person, task, situation."

Applying this to website design:

1. Person - the user of a website. Designers often fall into the trap of thinking that because they have successfully tested a site, designed by them, then it's easy to use.
2. Task - for example, filling in a web form, finding and downloading a file, navigating through a website, or simply being able to read the text on a web page.
3. Situation - for example:
   • The user is working from home with a PC, 15 inch monitor and 56K dial up connection.
   • The user is delivering a presentation using a notebook with a T1 connection and digital projector.
   • The user is sitting on a train using a PDA hooked up to a mobile phone.

Designers need to think user!

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Copyright © 2008 John McSweeney