Usability

OBJECTIVE:Learn “usability” principles related to writing content for interactive media.

The Basics• Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)

• Usability • refers to how easy or difficult it is to get

around a web site, CD-ROM, or other interactive environment.

• Navigation • is the way we get around inside a site.

• Ituitive Experience • Expected ways to navigate

• usability guru Jakob Nielsen (useit.com)

Webpagesthatsuck.COM• Yup, this is a real site.

Why does this site suck?

Nielsen says every page must answer: • Where am I?• Where have I been?• Where can I go?• What can this site do for me?

• “Where am I?” Logo, Page Titles, Matching Buttons

• “Where can I go?” Clearly labeled links, buttons, etc.

Clear: Tree frogs are usually green.Unclear: Click here to learn more about tree frogs.

Simplicity

-Navigation Bars-Breadth over Depth

-3-click Rule

Simple – static menus

• Drop-down – top remains same,side menu changes

Menu Breadth

• Use menus, avoid “back” buttons• Keep menus consistent• Show what you’re selling• Instead of “products” or “store” or

“services,” get specific, unless products and services are sidelines

• Breadth Over Depth: 3-Click Rule

Other Common Buttons• About

(should be viewer-centered, not company centered)

• Contact(should be on the main menu)

• FAQs(frequently asked questions)

• Services show process, too (step by step) “How Accupuncture Works”

CONTINUED . . .