by Sheri Fink

Created on: March 10, 2007   Last Updated: October 03, 2009

The World Wide Web has evolved from a largely text-based medium into a system that includes images, audio, video, virtual reality, blogs, podcasts, RSS feeds, live chatrooms, and many other forms of interactivity. With all of these sensory possibilities, it is easy to lose sight of the notion that the Web was developed as a means to communicate information, not to show off a complex graphic design or the latest technology.

The inventor of the World Wide Web has stated: "The dream behind the Web is of a common information space in which we communicate by sharing information." - Tim Berners-Lee

When creating a website, developers and designers need to keep in mind that the Web is a communication tool. In order for users to make effective use of a website, the information on the site must be easy to find. Developing websites that adhere to usability guidelines will contribute to a World Wide Web that is truly a "common information space."


What Is Usability?

Usability is concerned with the quality of the experience that a user has when interacting with an item or a system, be it a microwave oven, a word processing package, or a website. Usability refers to extent to which any product (such as an application or website) supports its users in carrying out their tasks efficiently and effectively.

A website is said to be "usable" if it is intuitive, easy to navigate, and makes sense to the audience who is using the website. A website may make perfect sense to the people who designed it, but if the general population who use the site aren't able to find the information they are looking for, it is not a usable website.

Jakob Nielsen lists five characteristics of usability, summarized below from an article on the website ZDNet Developer:

1. How quickly can users learn the website interface so they can accomplish basic tasks?
2. Once users have figured out how to use the website, how efficiently can they accomplish tasks?
3. After using the website, leaving, and then returning later, can users remember enough about the system to use it effectively? Or do they have to start from scratch and learn the system over again?
4. Do users tend to make a lot of errors when interacting with the website? Are the errors severe? Is it easy to recover from these errors?
5. How much satisfaction do users get from using the website?

Why is Usability Important?

There are many reasons for producing websites that are usable. A website that adheres to usability standards will more likely have

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