Web Usability Overview

To help in the understanding of usable web design it is important to understand the reasons why and how users browse the web.

While a book and catalogues are read at anytime and in any place, a web page is generally only viewed via a computer and it's likely that it is in a set place and upright seated position. Because of this and how uncomfortable it is reading from a screen (glare, flicker, resolution etc) the average user of the web only ‘scans’ a page rather than digesting it all, i.e. users look at main titles, headings, menu labels, and headlines to decide whether to spend time there.

Also, users search or browse for interesting material and ignore the rest.

Basically, users want the experience to be fast and effective – to get where they’re going, get what they want and get out. Particularly if viewing via a dial up line - of great importance in the UK as the bulk of users still pay by the minute.

The average user of the web is also very inexperienced in its use and if confused, or cannot complete a task quickly and easily, is highly likely to visit another of the millions of other sites available, one of which may be your competitor.

It is with these facts in mind that we have drawn up certain ‘best practices’ so that navigation, layout and content fit the users’ wants and needs, i.e. usable.

WhatsWanted consider that the fundamentals of User-Centric Web Design include the following:

• Functional site design
• Clear site structure
• Simple navigation
• No frames – unless strictly necessary
• Web-optimised graphics
• Fast download - 10 seconds for a typical user
• New browser windows only for specific tasks
• Maintenance of Web User Interface standards
• Showing users where they are and what is next
• Applying “Don’t Make Me Think” approach
• Limitation of unnecessary clicks
• Designing for 800x600 resolution
• All-important information above the fold
• Disability taken into account
• Micro content is used to best effect, i.e.
          Clear headings
          Relevant page titles
          Short and relevant links

Whatswanted grant permission to reprint this piece in its entirety only if all information below this notice, including the WhatsWanted web site link and copyright, is included as it is written.

Written by Klyve Dawson of WhatsWanted Ltd (© 2003 worldwide) - http://www.whatswanted.com/