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#123
Speaking of Usability
- In just a few short days we’ll all be enjoying the Website Usability Tools and
Techniques conference (July 20-21) at New York’s Marriott East Side.
__ Anyone involved in the activity of web production
should take advantage of such conferences. If nothing else, you’ll be inspired to
grow your understanding of the creative field you’re involved in.
__ Usability is one element of the web that makes all
the difference in the user experience. Over the past few months I’ve carefully watched
people surfing and using the web. I constantly see the user click on an object which
(I’m saying to myself) I know they don’t want -- or, they click on something that
I know the web developer feels is a lower priority.
__ A recent study revealed that: “46% of users have
on at least one occasion been driven to alternate sites because their preferred site
failed”
__ Good usability is not a mistake. It’s based on careful
design considerations like consistency in the site layout, a logical and intuitive
navigational system, strong, easy-to-find content, and straightforward pages that
enable users to reach the information or product they need with ease and simplicity.
__ I watched last evening as my wife -- a complete non-computer
person -- attempted to gather information about a possible vacation spot. She went
to the site recommended by the travel bureau for that local which obviously had tons
of good information. After half hour or so of surfing she finally gave up in exasperation...
“I just can’t seem to find anything on this site!”
__ The info was there. I knew it, but she didn’t see
it to act upon it. The combination of long wait states, and profuse graphics and
misguided intentions of blinking ads everywhere dissolved one vacationers’ plans
to visit that city.
.
When designing ANYTHING, first consider
a) what the reader will want to get out of the experience
b) how they will be viewing and using the elements on the page and most importantly
c) how can you visually help the reader get to the information they’ll want most.
.
Now you’ll have happy readers.
Sincerely,
Fred Showker is a designer, consultant, writer and speaker. He has published 60-Second
Window and DT&G Magazine online since 1990, and is director of The Graphic Design
Network which includes The Design & Publishing Center at www.Graphic-Design.com.
(1994) He was a co-founder of both The User Group Forum on America Online (1987),
The User Group Network at www.User-Groups.net,
(1994) and the Designers' Bookshelf (1996)
He originally founded Showker Graphic Arts & Design in 1972, has been an avid
computer activist and supporter since 1984.
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