Understanding Web Usability

January 20 2011, 11:34am

What goes through your head when you hear the term web usability? Is it website navigation, search, website functionality or how about the number of clicks to complete a task? According to Steve Krug, the most important thing to understanding your website’s usability is summed up in this phrase: “Don’t make me think!”

In his book, Don’t Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, Krug introduces tactics, strategies and norms for web usability on any website. Today, this is a constant struggle for web designers, project managers, developers and marketers seeking to reach their goals and satisfy their visitors. In his 181-page book, Krug discusses key issues in web design; that although on the surface appear to be common sense, but in reality require extensive thought, preparation, discussion and testing to do well. He is very thorough about dropping misconceptions about design by making you dissect and creatively think about elements on your website. A key aspect of his book is to understand the mind of an Internet user. In fact, his points and discussions are told from a web user’s perspective. He reveals these three interesting facts:

Web users don’t read pages, they scan them. Web users choose the first reasonable option, instead of the most optimal. Web users don’t figure out how things work, instead they muddle through.

In addition, Krug’s insights reveal common guidelines to website navigation and homepage issues, as well as usability testing during the design process. One of the most beneficial parts about his book is that he walks you through common design errors from real websites and shares his professional critique and improvements he would implement. We highly recommend this book for anyone in the process of looking to build or revamp their website. If you can create a website where first time visitors don’t have to think, you truly have mastered the art of web design and usability. Do you know any websites that jump out as prime examples of well-structured usability?