Website Usability
Usability addresses the relationship between tools and their users. In order for a tool to be effective, it must allow intended users to accomplish their tasks in the best way possible. The same principle applies to computers, websites, and other software. In order for these systems to work, their users must be able to employ them effectively. Usability depends on a number of factors including how well the functionality fits user needs, how well the flow through the application fits user tasks, and how well the response of the application fits user expectations. We can learn to be better user interface designers by learning design principles and design guidelines. But even the most insightful designer can only create a highly-usable system through a process that involves getting information from people who actually use the system. Usability is the quality of a system that makes it easy to learn, easy to use, easy to remember, error tolerant, and subjectively pleasing. Key requirements for a user friendly website is a clear and simple navigation system. According to Web usability expert, Jakob Nielsen, a good navigation system should answer three questions: - Where am I?
- Where have I been?
- Where can I go?
Your site's navigation system should answer all three questions if you're careful to include these basic elements: Keep it consistent. The navigation system should be in the same place on every page and have the same format. Visitors will get confused and frustrated if links appear and disappear unpredictably. Consider using Server Side Includes (SSI) for your main navigation system to make certain the navigation system stays consistent.
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