More people are creating web sites, but many of them are unsure what constitutes good design on the Internet. This article explains what web usability is and outlines some basic principles for good web design.
As design tools make web development more accessible, more people are
creating personal websites. However, just having the ability to display text and
graphics and make links does not make a web site good. While there is not a
single "right" way to design a web site, there are design principles that can
help make a site usable and attractive.
What is web usability?
Web usability refers to the ability of a web site
visitor to navigate a web site and find important information. The definition of
usability may change somewhat depending on the goals of the web site. For
example, if a site is selling books, it is usable if a customer can easily find
books he is looking for, browse for other books, and complete his purchase
seamlessly and as quickly as he desires. On a children's gaming or activity
site, it is usable if the games are easy to access, if the goals of the
activities are clear and if the functions to accomplish the goals are
understandable. On a reference or informational site, usability may be defined
by a visitor's ability to find information and to research as deeply as he
desires.