7 Basic Principles Of Website Usability

What is Website usability?

Today we’ll talk about one very important characteristic of the website – the usability of the website. What is “usability” (from the English. Usability – usability) – this concept is used in various fields of activity and determines the usefulness and usability of something.

In our case, we will consider the usability of the website. A lot of articles and books have been written about the usability of the website, a lot of research has been done. All Internet users are very different, and it would seem impossible to please everyone, but as studies have shown, there are basic principles of website usability that must be considered when developing a website. What role does website usability play in the process of creating a website? How important is it to consider the principles of website usability in development? I’ll try to answer these and other questions in the article “Basic principles of website usability”.

7 Basic Principles Of  Website Usability.

Websites are very different, both in terms of design and in terms of functionality, so you need to conduct website customizability individually, but there are basic rules that you must adhere to.

1 | Navigation

Namely, convenient and intuitive website navigation is the main principle of website usability. The main sections, as a rule, are displayed in a horizontal menu, and the additional ones in a vertical one, which is already displayed directly on the landing pages. Also, to improve the usability of the website, it makes sense to duplicate the main menu at the bottom of the website – footer. If the website is complex in structure, display a website map for users – a page on which the entire structure of the website will be displayed in the form of a tree view.

2 | Error prevention.

Check that all buttons work on the website, all links lead to existing pages – this is very important for the usability of the website. The user is unlikely to stay long on a non-working website.

3 | Top of the Website.

The header is, in fact, the most important part of the website. Studies on the usability of the website show that it is there that people often stop their eyes and often do not even scroll down the page. In terms of website usability, the header is very important. That is why do not forget to put the basic information there. Submit your basic contact information, phone numbers, etc., all that you want to draw the attention of the client in the first place.

4 | Free space.

Between blocks on the website contributes to a better perception of information. Also, you need to remember line spacing in the text. The information on your website should be as accessible and easy to read as possible – this will greatly improve the usability of the website.

 5 | Text formatting.

I already mentioned line-spacing deviations, but do not forget about everything else – indents between paragraphs, text selection (bold, italics), highlighting headings, lists. Dilute text with pictures – it’s much easier to perceive, especially if the text is large.

6 | Using photos of people.

Studies on the usability of the website have shown that people focus on the site’s photos of people. When they started to investigate this topic more deeply, it turned out that little of the fact that users focus on the photo is that they look in the same direction as the person with the photo looks. This little trick can be used to direct the person in the direction you need and increase the usability of the website.

 7 | Website search.

Do not forget to put the search block on the website, this is an element to improve the usability of the website. Nobody wants to waste their time, most users come to the website with the clear goal of finding information and quickly. The site search block will simplify their task – as a result, everyone is happy – you will delay a potential client on the site, the user will receive the necessary information in a short time and will definitely come to you again – keep this in mind to improve the usability of the website.

I already have a website, how to improve the usability of the website?

If you already have a website, but you, after reading, understand that it does not quite comply with the principles of website usability, do not worry. It’s never too late to take steps to improve the usability of a website. First, you can order usability testing – experts will test your website for the usability of the website and determine the main points that need to be improved on your website to make it more convenient. In some cases, the website’s usability cannot be improved by simple methods, more radical actions, such as redesign, may be required.

Why is website usability important?

The importance of website usability is hard to overestimate. It’s even a kind of marketing and psychological tool that not only allows you to create a cozy atmosphere for users on your website but also direct them in the right direction, push them to certain actions. Use this tool to develop your website, your business. After all, we all want to live in beautiful, comfortable conditions, drive-in comfortable cars. So why not create an atmosphere of coziness and comfort on your website? Due to the high level of usability of the website, users are sure to be sure to see the website again, since a site with a high level of usability is like a car with a high level of comfort, where you want to go again and again!

Important! Remember, the usability of the website will be thought out from the very beginning, in addition to good design, making a high level of usability of the website is one of the most important tasks of a web designer. Therefore, when working with a web designer, you need to discuss website usability at the stage of creating a website layout. Beautiful website design and high website usability, this is the foundation on which you can build a successful profitable website!