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| Usability |
Web Analytics And Conversion Optimisation usability
When Steve Krug wrote his excellent web usability book, he aptly called it “Don’t Make Me Think!”. Designing a site for best usability means that users don’t have to figure out what to do; they are just able to do it.
Use standard conventions, such as links that are distinct (blue and underlined is standard), menus top or left and the logo in the top left hand corner. Search boxes are usually on the top of the page, and should use standard wording such as “search” on buttons. Following standards for important elements that are familiar to web users means that they know immediately where to look for or how to use them. Important elements (such as menus, logos, colours and layout) should be distinct, easy to find and consistent throughout the web site.
The information architecture of a site is crucial to usability. Topics and categorisation should flow from broad to narrow, and should be built around users’ needs and not company structure. An intuitively designed structure will guide the user to their goals.
The sitemap should be available from every page, and should clearly show the information architecture of the web site. Dynamic sitemaps can be employed so that the sitemap is updated automatically as information is added to the web site.
As well as carefully thought out information architecture, the navigation should guide users easily through both top-level and deeper pages. Navigation should also let the user know where they are in the site (especially as not all users arrive via the home page!). Breadcrumb links, clear page titles and URLs and menu changes all help to show the user where she is.
When Steve Krug wrote his excellent web usability book, he aptly called it “Don’t Make Me Think!”. Designing a site for best usability means that users don’t have to figure out what to do; they are just able to do it.
Use standard conventions, such as links that are distinct (blue and underlined is standard), menus top or left and the logo in the top left hand corner. Search boxes are usually on the top of the page, and should use standard wording such as “search” on buttons. Following standards for important elements that are familiar to web users means that they know immediately where to look for or how to use them. Important elements (such as menus, logos, colours and layout) should be distinct, easy to find and consistent throughout the web site.
The information architecture of a site is crucial to usability. Topics and categorisation should flow from broad to narrow, and should be built around users’ needs and not company structure. An intuitively designed structure will guide the user to their goals.
The sitemap should be available from every page, and should clearly show the information architecture of the web site. Dynamic sitemaps can be employed so that the sitemap is updated automatically as information is added to the web site.
As well as carefully thought out information architecture, the navigation should guide users easily through both top-level and deeper pages. Navigation should also let the user know where they are in the site (especially as not all users arrive via the home page!). Breadcrumb links, clear page titles and URLs and menu changes all help to show the user where she is.
