Importance of Web Usability

Web usability helps avoid visitor frustration.

"Usability" is the qualitative measure of how easily a user interface functions. "Web usability" is usability applied to websites. Having a highly usable website is desirable and is a key to a website's success.

Characteristics

Usability affects how easily visitors accomplish their desired tasks. Assessing usability involves looking at how easily a site is learned, how efficiently it is used, and how pleasant the overall experience is for the visitor.

Popularity

Usability impacts website success, more so than beautiful graphics or cutting-edge technology. A usable website will get more word-of-mouth references and repeat visitors than a site that is difficult to use.

Sales

The ability for customers to easily find and purchase the products they want affects online sales. Poor Web usability can lead to frustration as well as decreased confidence and trust, resulting in lost sales and customers.

Staffing Costs

Usability is a key to the success of business websites that provide a service, such as customer support. Visitors who cannot easily use the online service will possibly turn to a support staff for assistance.

Productivity

On company Intranets, usability affects employee productivity and efficiency. The time an employee spends figuring out how to use the Intranet is time not spent completing important tasks.

References

• "Designing Web Usability;" Jacob Nielsen; 2000

Resources

• Usability.gov
• UseIt.com: Jacob Nielsen's Usability Website
• Self SEO: The Importance of Web Usability in Search Engine Optimization