Usability vs Design

Written by Helen
April 13th, 2009

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Every day over one billion* people are jeopardizing their eyesight (by forgetting to blink) turn their computers on and plunge into the Web of millions of sites; to sell an old sofa, buy a pet, find a lover, or simply order some food for dinner. Good thing, there are millions of sites out there to choose from, or IS it a good thing?

How often have you found yourself “going” to the Internet with the intention to “look something up quickly,” and getting stuck in front of the bright screen for so long, that you even forgot what your initial goal was?  Or how many times have you opened a Website’s page and didn’t know where to go and where to start, confused whether this was a site you wanted or, maybe, you should continue browsing.

Web design is like a house design, but much more. Website design carries an additional, yet critical purpose – usability. It is safe to say that it’s more important to create a user-friendly design than just a “pretty-face” design.  And even so, Web design is not tangible, but virtual, it affects our lives more than we think, as it can either save our time, or waste it.

So, what is a user-friendly Web design and how one becomes a great “Web architect”?

There are several aspects to remember when creating a Website.

#1 – Number one thing to remember, as mentioned above, is that usability comes before the looks. Don’t get stuck on the appearance, remember that if it’s pretty, but confusing, people are not going to use it. It’s the opposite of any other type of design; Web design is all about the use, not just the appearance.

# 2 – Keep your user in mind. Always, think of a user, as if it’s their first interaction with the Web world ever. If this type of a user can figure out your navigation then you are out of trouble.

# 3 – Be clear, not just persuasive. Use your graphics wisely, lead visitors to the page you want them to go, don’t assume they will know how to get there. Images can be louder than words, take advantage of it. 1-2-3 steps are always a good choice.

#4 – Less is more – don’t overwhelm your user with too much information on the home page, give them the points of entry, segment your topics into concise groups and let your visitor choose what they need.

#5 – Test it. Make sure your Website works in different browsers and various resolutions.

After all said above, is it ok to assume that usability overpowers the design? Absolutely. Unfortunately. With the number of Websites out there and tight competition, people are looking at functionality first. It must fit their needs, serve the purpose, and if the site is also visually appealing, it’s like icing on the cake.

So, don’t get hang up on the pretty buttons, yet, don’t forget that you are a designer. It’s like being a writer, if you have an assignment to write something within, let’s say 35 words frame, it’s much more difficult to do than writing without limitations.

What else can I say? Internet is an ever changing and growing element of progressive technology.  It’s an integral part of our lives, at home or in the office. It’s vital for it to serve its original purpose – helping people to connect and stay up-to-date. But, unfortunately technology is a wild animal that is not willing to be tamed. There is such a fine line between it being helpful and being harmful. Let’s hope that in the years to come we will see more good Websites than wasting-time Websites. Let’s hope that the exuberance of the Web will be inextricably tied up with effectiveness, and artful maturity.

Talk soon.
Happy Marketing!

* http://www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm

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