Chapter One Introduction

We don't continually use our televisions, we watch them. We don't even use our radios, we listen to them. We certainly don't use video game consoles, we play with them. And we don't 'use' shopping malls, we visit them to purchase goods or to browse.

But we do USE the Internet to participate in a wide range of activities, include those above and more. Why else do you think the Internet's population is referred to as its "users"?

So, since people use the Internet, the most important component must be its usability. Yet, most Web designers spend most of their energy on the appearance of a site, without much regard for its usability.

The tips in this section will help you create a more efficient and effective Web site, which in turn will provide a more satisfying user experience.

You'll discover:

how to avoid common usability pitfalls
how to conduct your own usability testing
real-life case studies of how usability studies have helped well-known Web sites improve customer satisfaction and profitability

For Web designers and developers, the following chapters will help you produce more effective and efficient Web sites than those of your competitors.

For site owners, or managers, my tips will empower you with the knowledge and confidence to ask your site's designers and developers to improve its usability. This will almost always improve your site's popularity amongst its users, and ultimately its bottom-line.

And the success of our business/site is what's important, isn't it? The steps to success are usability, information architecture and a good user experience.

What is Web Usability? >>>