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Usability and usable websites - part 2
More issues of Usability?
Users can be made to 'feel comfortable' with a system they are using by keeping them informed of what is happening, where they are and where they are going. Error messages should be in the users terms, not codes, and should allow a return to where they were for ease of correction, though a better way is error prevention. Clear instructions should be shown at the appropriate time or should be obtainable if not displayed. Above all a small amount of information displayed at a time with clear markings will make the system easier to use and navigate.
Good navigability principles should be employed when using multiple screens and clear paths back and forward through the screens should be used. GUI should show the principles of simplicity, by having very simple uncluttered screens, consistency in that the navigability is the same from screen to screen and efficiency for repeated use it is reasonably efficient in operation. The basic design has to strive to be easy to learn and to use following the guidelines of the experts and of being simple in operation. Each screen should give only the relevant information, which is absolutely necessary and navigation through each screen should be simple and consistent.
Only the relevant buttons GUI buttons should be displayed, clear instructions issued and detail display is shown to keep the user fully informed of what is happening and what is expected next. For instance if buttons are used the main button could be the largest emphasises its prime use from the start and clear instructions tell the user what to do. Incorporating the message boxes and displaying them in contrasting colour further informs the user so that those messages are clearly understood when the user is unsure of what their next action should be. Observations should be carried out to find if the second time a user tried to use the screen the experience of the first were learned and remembered, leading to a far more efficient use, which confirmed our design ambitions. Drop down boxes when few options are offered also leads to clear and unambiguous messages. The users, already familiar with the concept of drop down menus gave them exactly what they expected and a clear menu, and therefore choice, of what to pick from the menu.
Mentioned earlier is the point of overall layout of the boxes and key layout designed with the overall aim of the component parts building to a pleasing whole. Changes can be derived from asking different people to try out the screens. Efficiency can be improved dramatically by activating and deactivating the buttons as they are required and also leads to an easier operating interface.