Usability

Usability is a measure of the quality of a user interface. Evaluating usability is commonly done by providing the software on a trial basis to a group of users and then questioning the users on their experience. In this way it is possible to collect statistics to quantify characteristics of the software such as how easy it was to use, how enjoyable it was to use and how easy it was to misuse. Over several such studies, a body of evidence emerges to establish good and bad practice in interface design.

Proliferation of internet use has helped to make usability a hot topic in the computer industry. It is widely held that usability is a neglected discipline in the development of software in general and web sites in particular. Sometimes, usability is regarded as part of testing, even though a piece of software can satisfy its specified requirements and be free of bugs, yet still present unnecessary challenges for the user. Testers may legitimately feel that they have a hard enough job without being called upon to steer the design of a user interface.

Related links on the internet

Usability.gov

Usability guide by the American National Cancer Institute to improve online communication of cancer research. Though it was set up for that specific purpose, virtually all of the vast amount of information here can be used in the design and testing of any web site. We're particularly impressed by the Web Design and Usability Guidelines, even though our sites fall foul of many of them.

useit.com

The web site of usability guru Jakob Nielsen. A lot of what is preached here makes uncomfortable reading for the kind of web developer who likes to show off their mastery of new techniques, rather than sticking to the simple design paradigms that users are familiar with.

Web Pages That Suck

If you like to learn from other's mistakes, then this is the site for you. Some catastrophically bad designs skewered by Vincent Flanders. The comic style does not obscure the fact that this site makes some very serious points about how web designers should cater for their audience.

How we really use the web

A chapter from Steve Krug's book on web site usability "Don't Make Me Think". We highly recommend the book to anyone who's interested in usability issues.

usability first

The goal of this site is "to provide valuable information about usability for anyone interested in the design of software or websites, from beginners to experts". They have certainly succeeded, as their pages are packed with valuable information that explains the techniques involved in producing "user-centred" software.

philosophe.com

This "web site devoted to quality assurance for web sites" is a collection of essays by Quality Assurance professional Derek Sisson. Although the emphasis is on QA, there is a wealth of information here that will be of interest and value to managers, designers, developers and testers alike.

Web Style Guide, 2nd Edition

Online book covering all aspects of designing a web site from the planning stage through to the technical aspects of page layout. An outstanding reference and guide to use when creating or modifying a web site.

Web Reference

Great site for HTML, DHTML, Perl, JavaScript and XML developers. A myriad of articles and tutorials about these subjects, plus usability and other development issues.

Web Developer's Journal

Several articles on web development covering topics such as site design, e-commerce and the management of an internet business.

Testing Foundations

Good site written by someone with over a decade of experience in testing, development and management. We're particularly impressed by the Classic Testing Mistakes article.