Kenneth Dreyer

Over my years being a webmaster, there is one thing I have learned - usability is very important. Since I run several norwegian websites, I have had plenty of time to experiment with different usability tests, and now I’m finally going to reveal some of the information I gather from all my little researches. But first, in this very first post in the usability section, I’m going to explain a little about what usability is and why it’s important:

What is usability?

Usability addresses the relationship between a tool and their users. In order for a tool to be effective, it must allow the intended users to accomplish their task in the best way possible. Some ways to improve usability includes:

• Shortening the time for users to complete a task.
• Easier to learn how to use the tool/site.
• Reducing the number of possible mistakes made.
• Improving peoples satisfaction with the site.

Why is usability important?

Usability is important because it can mean the difference between the success or failure of your site. From the users perspective it’s important because it can be the difference of enjoying your site or feeling frustrated over it. If many of your users are frustrated about your site or something on it, this can mean big losses for you. For example, let’s say you have a complicated ordering form in your webshop, complicated enough for 40% of your users to drop out in the ordering process. I guess you see the picture on how much money you can lose on this?

Since I’m both a project manager in designing and developing, and responsible for marketing for several sites, usability is one of the things I use most time studying. It doesn’t matter how good you are with marketing, or how many users you drive to your site, if they don’t manage to complete whatever you want them to do on your site.

“Don’t make me think.”
- Steve Krug

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