Usability in Web Design

written by: Luke Fowell; article published: year 2010, month 03;

In: Root » Internet » Web design and development

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The usability of the website referrers to the quality of the users experience when browsing and includes several factors: -

  • Ease of Learning - How easy the user finds the website to navigate and use the advanced features. By making the website as easy to use as possible, and provide appropriate screen prompts to make the process as simple as possible.

  • Efficiency of use - How quickly tasks using the website can be accomplished. By keeping the data input to only the necessary fields, means that users aren't turned off from filling in the registration forms. The processes will be designed so that the flow of every process is as efficient as possible. This means that the user will find the features easy to use.

  • How memorable it is - If the user remembers the look and feel of the website then it will be easier for them to use the next time they come to use it. Try to keep the website as uniform as possible, so that every page and process has the same feel and navigation. The more memorable the website, the more repeat business you will gain.

  • Error Frequency and Severity - How often, if ever, errors occur on the website and its advanced features. The less errors detected the more functional and efficient the system will be. Developing websites thoroughly and carefully, with detailed testing to ensure errors are to the minimum. The use of validation and error messaging to inform the users of any problems.

  • Subjective satisfaction - If the user likes using the website or not. If the user likes the look and feel of a website, or certain aspects of the functionality, then it will mean the website is more memorable and the user enjoys using the website.

Why is usability important?

It is important to make the website usable to its viewers for several important reasons: -

  • Increase productivity and customer satisfaction
  • Increase sales and revenues
  • Reduce development time and costs and maintenance costs
  • Decrease training and support costs

By making the web site usable will mean that your business will gain a positive reputation from the website and continue to increase its customer satisfaction. This will in turn, produce repeat customers via the internet and increase revenues. It is important to design the web site to be as appealing and simple to use as possible. The easier the users find the website to use, providing it gives the necessary functionality, means the users are more likely to purchase the products or services. If good usability is engineered originally, it will save money in the long run; this is why it is worth spending time on.

Stages of Usability Design

You need to make sure we provide the following stages in our design to be able to ensure good Usability for the end users.

  • Provide useful and engaging content that is relevant to the website.
  • Use all available resources to properly gauge user requirements.
  • Ensure the website meets user expectations
  • Involve user testing to improve completeness and accuracy of the website
  • Identify the primary goals of the website
  • Focus on user performance before aesthetics
  • Consider as many user interface issues as possible
  • Plan and ensure that the website is designed and developed to feature in the top 30 websites in major search engines, for search terms most relevant to Eos Seminars.
  • Have several different design ideas from different members of the design team and take best elements from all
  • Use 'Personas' amongst the design team to keep all designers on the same page

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