Web usability refers to the functionality of a website. It must meet specific standards to be intuitive and usable for the viewer. This affects his evaluation and perception not only of the site itself, but also of the company to which it belongs. When designing a useful website, we focus on the right profile of the viewer. Depending on the generation of users, something different is expected of the site.
Factors that affect the quality of use of the site
First and foremost, the usability of a website takes into account how long a user is able to learn it and master all the activities within it. Industry authority Jacob Nielsen called this factor learnability. In addition, it is related to the number of mistakes made while navigating the site and remembering how to use it. Jacob Nielsen also pointed out the level of satisfaction the viewer feels while on the website.
All these factors determine the level of usability of the site. The shorter the site's learning time, fewer user errors and higher user satisfaction, the more usable the site is.
Site manual. How do you make it easier for the user to navigate the site?
When entering a website for the first time, we should intuitively start navigating through it. This is directly related to its structure and navigation. Certainly, the user will be helped by a clear and easy menu located in a prominent place, with well-described sub-pages. The first glance at the site with a clear layout will allow the user to easily locate items of interest. Currently, simple websites, with the most important elements highlighted, work best.
The design of the site is not without significance. Navigating through it is definitely facilitated by a simple and minimalist design. Gradients, muted colors and contrasts, interactive scrolling and collages work well. You also need to remember to leave space for advertising that will not obscure the content and thus make it difficult to read.
Is your website usable?
Web usabilty is subject to research. The first analyses are carried out as early as the design stage, and subsequent analyses are carried out with each change that is introduced, as well as regularly on a preventive basis due to ever emerging trends. We can distinguish between studies conducted by experts, based on benchmarking audits and heuristic evaluation. It is also possible to conduct a web usability study on the user with the active participation of a moderator. This takes into account mouse movement on the site and eyetracking study.
A useful website is both viewer and search engine friendly. This is one of the factors that simultaneously affect Google rankings and user satisfaction. This, therefore, translates into higher conversions, audience interest and trust, and, consequently, the achievement of the intended goals - increased sales or popularity.
