Introduction to usability

Graphic design
- Good usability - obvious, intuitive
- Learning to use something an investment in time/effort, must be considered worthwhile
- Graphic design is about communication - improving usability, motivating the user (Lynch & Horton 2001)

Jon Meads draws a distinction - bad graphic design is bad for usability. Good graphics are effective for drawing attention and enhancing a web site's usability.

Neilsen does not mention graphic design (aesthetics) in his five attributes of usability: learnability, efficiency, memorability, errors and satisfaction. Kristiina Karvonen suggests that the satisfaction aspect possibly incorporates aesthetics, and influence trust (2000). (Additional research by Frank Spillers).

Curt Cloninger comments on the "war" between graphic designers and usability experts exacerbated by the different communication styles (aesthetics v. principles) and concludes that both sides benefit from compromise.

Getting Started with Usability Design
- truly great web sites balance aesthetics and usability (Pearrow, M 2000, Web Site Usability Handbook , Charles River Media, Inc., Rockland, Massachusetts.)
- planning, setting objectives for the web site, considering audience/needs
- defining usability objectives for different audiences/situations: minimum required functionality, user/technology constraints, user preferences, habits, dislikes, personal data.
- "usability cycle": ask, test, retest. Impartial testing/judgement.

Ways that Usability is Decreased
- focus on features rather than users
- making wrong assumptions about users (eg. technical ability)
- following technological trends to look "cool", at the expense of usability
- usability a discipline, not just common sense
- lack of usability design knowledge/experience