Web Usability1

Goal : Your average user can use it without frustration. Usability guidelines:  Don’t make users think.  Avoid obscure messages. Web Usability 2

We don’t read pages, we scan them  We are usually in a hurry.  We know we don’t need to read everything.  We are good at it. Web Usability3

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Brochure / Billboard  Convey message quickly.  Create visual hierarchy on each page. Font sizes Group related things Nested blocks  Take advantage of conventions.  Minimize noise. Web Usability6

What we see on a page depends on what we have in mind We tend to focus on words/phrases that seem to match  Task on hand.  Current / Ongoing personal Interests.  Trigger words that are hardwired into our nervous systems like Free Sale Se Our own name. Web Usability7

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Homepage Different from all other pages.  It communicates the site’s value and purpose.  Shows all major options available on the site.  Enable access to home page from any other page. Web Usability9

Navigation We don’t make optimal choices, we satisfice.  Back button is the most used feature.  Navigation links: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary..  Page names are like street signs of the web.  Bread crumbs. You are here: Home > Gallery > Art > Photography > Nature Web Usability10

Usability Testing  Iterative design approach.  Create prototypes.  Wireframes.  Study: 30% more task completions on sites redesigned following usability rules. Web Usability11

Conclusion  No single way to design, but follow the rules.  Watch for the trend, don’t copy.  Your competition is just one click away, don’t frustrate your users. Web Usability12

Reference / Further reading  Don’t make me think – Steve Krug.  (research based guidelines)  (Jakob Nielsen) Web Usability13

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