Usability: User Experience
Designing a Web site requires that we understand the scripts that Web users take from real-life experience and apply to using a Web site. - Badre, Albert N. (2002). Shaping Web Usability.
Think about the connection between the user and their technology and the user experience within the website. Use a visitor-centered focus. In other words, target your audience.
Content Positioning. Specify the goals of the site, the tasks of the site, and organize in order to support the user's structural and functional mental models of the content.
Response Time. Acceptable response time depends several factors including the task to be performed PLUS the user experience level PLUS the user expectations. Faster is generally better. However consider the specific audience. For example, will young children or older users be able to "keep up" with movement or screen transitions?
Navigation. Sometimes the user's mental map is incomplete. Help users construct a path with both visual and text maps and cues. Use each of the following elements wisely:
- links
- buttons and controls
- site maps, content lists, indexes
- landmarks and history trails
- keywords and site search engine
Security. Assure reasonable confidence in site security and privacy. If you collect personal data, protect your users' privacy and state your privacy policy. If you are asking for a user transaction, use security procedures, confirmation procedures, contact information, etc.
Visibility. Use a domain name, site name, key words, and titles that are descriptive of the content of the website.
Quality. Be sure the user experience is positive. Provide a means for users to share ideas and use the resources effectively:
- Provide contact information
- Provide customer service
- Provide for personalization
- Seek feedback
- Update and revise frequently
- Point out new information
- Be printer-friendly
- Use relevant new technology