Site usability or user-friendliness is, without a doubt, the deciding factor on whether
a website suceeds or fails. However, in the never ending quest for high-tech or
creativeity of design innovation, it is often relegated a back seat. On other occasions
it is not given enough attention simply out of sheer ignorance. However, user-friendliness
is not an elusive concept nor is it subjective. It is based on rigorous
research and can be attained by easily applied solutions.
However, as they refer to a relatively recent and emerging technology, these
standards are not definitive and should be subject to regular review and improvements. Rules may be broken
and there will be many instances where an alternative to what is proposed will be of more use in a particular
situation. Standards can never remain stagnant and as such the rules here will need to be reviewed and revised to
reflect the ever changing nature of Web and Browser development.
| Focus | - Set out the subject of your site and keep the focus |
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| Consistency | - Make sure your site is consistent |
| Efficiency | - Strive to make download quick and easy |
| Navigation | - Keep your site navigation simple |
| Portability | - Avoid a site that has too much sever or browser incompatibility |
| Maintenance | - Keep your site up to date and avoid becoming a "cobweb" |
| Feedback | - Ensure there is a mechanism for user feedback and listen to it! |
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Copyright Richard A Ferdinands © 2002
