The basics of Web usability

Usability, at its heart, is simple. The easier something is to use, the more likely people are to use it. Usability nirvana is achieved when something becomes so easy -- so intuitive -- you barely know it's there. Light switches are easy. Faucets are easy. Sunglasses are easy.

Understanding the basics of Web usability is also easy. In fact, you already have a decent idea of what works on the Web. Think about the sites you often visit. Where do you shop online? Where do you read the news? There's a good chance these sites employ strong usability guidelines.

Web usability is a popular topic in design circles, and there are lots of avenues for further study. For our purposes, we'll be looking at a few key concepts, but if you're interested in learning more about usability check out the resources listed below.

After you've perused the resources, let's begin with a look at user-friendly navigation.

Resources

Name	Type	Notes
Useit.com	Web site	Jakob Nielsen's site is a storehouse of usability tips. His recommendations inspire debate, but they're a must-read in the usability world.
Jakob Nielsen: Designing Web Usability	Book	Jakob Nielsen deconstructs the good and bad of Web design with real world examples.
Advanced Common Sense	Web site	This is usability expert Steve Krug's business site. A sample chapter from his book "Don't Make Me Think" is available.
Steve Krug: Don't Make Me Think!	Book	Krug's book takes a common sense approach to Web usability. It's a fast, informative read.
Web Pages That Suck	Web site	Vincent Flanders provides examples of what not to do, including the most egregious uses of new Web technology.
Vincent Flanders: Web Pages That Suck	Book	Flanders publishes the worst of the Web in this book and its follow up, "Son of Web Pages That Suck."
WebWord.com	Web site	A Weblog dedicated to usability.
Usable Web	Web site	A well-organized, searchable database of usability information.
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