Usability isn't only for Web design. It's also applicable in the real world as things aren't always well-designed. Paying attention to real world design can help you think through usability for Web design. For instance, there is an elevator in New York where the numbers are in three columns. The numbers go across, but in this elevator they go from right to left instead of left to right. It's in English not Hebrew.
Elevator in NY:
10 9 8
7 6 5
Most elevators:
8 9 10
5 6 7
This concept can be applied to a Web page by assuring numbers, letters, and other meaningful groups of information are sorted in a logical order.
I also saw a school speed zone sign where it said to slow down during the following times:
7:30 AM - 8:15 AM
2:45 AM - 3:30 PM
Hmm... figure out what's wrong with this sign? This one can also teach a lesson for Web design usability. What lessons come to mind?
Donald Norman talks about such design in The Design of Everyday Things. While I was in the hospital twice in a little over a one week period, I discovered a few usability problems.
The room I was in last week had a small TV, the kind that hangs from the wall like those you see at the blood centers. It had no captions, but the law (Television Decoder Circuitry Act (TDCA)) only requires TVs 13 inches are captioned. NBC didn't work on that TV. Go figure... it was the only channel I could enjoy without captions because the olympics were on and sports are easy to follow.
The one good thing about that small room was the button to call the nurse. It didn't have a speaker, so no one would try speaking to me when I called. She would just come as soon as she could.
My first room for the second visit's adventures had a brand new flat screen TV. The only way to get the captions turned on was to fiddle with the options on the side of the screen. Could not do it from bed. Thankfully, tall Hubby was there to do it. Not everyone has the luxury of having someone there to do it or even with the know-how.
The TV remote control was on a remote with three buttons: call nurse, light on / off, and TV. I could only go one way in changing the channels. If on channel 5 and wanted to be on channel 4, I had to go through all the channels to get to channel 4.
The second room had the same TV and remote set up. Once again, tall Hubby had to turn on the captions. This time, when I called the nurse, she talked back through the speaker. We had to remind every shift and multiple nurses on that shift that I couldn't hear over the speaker.
Luckily, I had family with me to help talk to the nurse. But I was alone all morning and without my implant. So I could not even hear any sound coming from the speaker where I could say what I needed and hope they caught it. Thankfully, I had a nurse who came in often enough that I didn't need to call.
meryl k. evans is the Content Maven behind meryl k. evans, meryl k. evans. She is also a PC Today columnist and a tour guide at InformIT. She is geared to tackle your editing, writing, content, and process needs. The native Texan resides in Plano, Texas, a heartbeat north of Dallas, and doesn't wear a 10-gallon hat or cowboy boots.
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carNovice and professional graphic designers, we are aware that you... Read More
You have created your custom error page so now all... Read More
I'm not a professional web site designer and openly admit... Read More
Unless you are an inventor, most likely you are selling... Read More
There are many companies who build websites, all of which... Read More
You spend time and money promoting your website; but what... Read More
Have you put a lot of effort, time, and money... Read More
As part of your event planning you should seriously consider... Read More
Good websites stand out from the masses of boring, hard... Read More
Q: Should I build and maintain my business Web site... Read More
Remember your vision for your company and the brand or... Read More
If you have a web site to which people pay... Read More
If you need a web designer, but have no clue... Read More
This article gives free tips on how to find a... Read More
Don't make a splash!Are you thinking about using a splash... Read More
What is the relationship between Marketing and Web designing? How... Read More
When considering whether or not to incorporate Flash into your... Read More
Everybody talks about the importance of testing your sales copy... Read More
I've seen articles (and websites) that suggest you can buy... Read More
If you've just finished building your new website (or revamping... Read More
Avoid these mistakes and your site will be steps ahead... Read More
Your web site should be-visitor friendly to navigatesearch engine friendly... Read More
Remember the day that you got your new computer (or... Read More
Not all links are created equal.While all of your links... Read More
Regardless whether you manage a small business, charitable organization, or... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..1. DO NOT use excessive graphics or banner images on... Read More
The time it takes to load your site can make... Read More
The icons in an application are the soul of the... Read More
Seeing is believing.One trick to increase your visibility as well... Read More
The best things don't come easy. - QuotedThe finished web... Read More
If there's one thing that most web site developers can... Read More
Remember the day that you got your new computer (or... Read More
The Psychology of ColorAre you using the best colors for... Read More
Your web site should be-visitor friendly to navigatesearch engine friendly... Read More
Since I made the switch 6 months ago to a... Read More
Remember your vision for your company and the brand or... Read More
On the internet we don't deal with face to face... Read More
The concept of web designing based on the nature and... Read More
About two years ago, I had a go at commercial... Read More
A Double Ad Tracker is an Ad-Tracker that points to... Read More
Why is the quality of your text layout and design... Read More
One of the single most important aspects of effective navigation... Read More
Contrary to the beliefs of some, advertising for web and... Read More
Want to know what the worst thing to say on... Read More
Well, a logo for your business. Why is it important?... Read More
Every day internet marketers are inundated with the latest fad... Read More
What do the key words represent?Key words - these are... Read More
So you've decided to take the plunge. You know that... Read More
Usability isn't only for Web design. It's also applicable in... Read More
(Making Your Graphics Work For You)It's no secret that a... Read More
Web Design |