C
Introduction:
A company's homepage is its face to the world and the starting point for most user visits. So how to improve your homepage multiplies the entire website's business value become more and more important. Usability is one of the most important concepts to be considered in web design, it rules the web.
The following article will be divided into five parts: firstly, I will introduce the definition of usability; secondly, the top guidelines for homepage usability will be mentioned; the third part is the overview of three websites; fourthly, I will compare and contrast these websites; lastly, some conclusions will be suggested.
What is usability?
Usability is an attribute of the entire package that makes up a product the hardware, software, menus, icons, messages, manual, quick reference, online help and training. The definition is "the effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction with which specified users achieve specified goals in particular environments." Nielsen (2000) highlights the importance of usability in the electronic environment that is the internet. His definition (1993) associates usability with five attributes.
1. Learnability. The system should be as simple to learn as possible.
2. Efficiency. The system should be as efficient as possible to increase productivity.
3. Memorability. The system should be easy to remember for future use.
4. Errors. The system should have as few errors as possible to ease use.
5. Satisfaction. The user should feel a high level of satisfaction when using the system.
In 2002, Nielsen was able to conclude: "On the web, if a site is difficult to use, most people will leave."
Why the usability is more important for web design? Nielsen (2001) explained: "Now user experience the usability of a site before they have committed to using it and before they have spent any money on potential purchases....
View Full Essay