Understanding Usability and Accessibility
What is Usability?
Definition
Usability
metric of how the technology or system suits everybody
Usability refers to the ease with which a user can interact with a system or product to achieve their goals. It can be measured via several key aspects:
- Effectiveness: How well does the system enable users to achieve their goals?
- Efficiency: How quickly can users complete tasks using the system?
- Satisfaction: How pleasant is the user experience?
- Usability is not limited to software.
- It applies to any product or system, including websites, applications, and physical devices.
Why is Usability Important?
- User Satisfaction: A usable system leads to a positive user experience, which in turn increases satisfaction and loyalty.
- Efficiency: Users can complete tasks more quickly, reducing frustration and increasing productivity.
- When designing a system, always consider the user's perspective.
- Test your design with real users to identify and address usability issues early.
- Can you identify examples of good and bad usability in products you use daily?
- How might poor usability impact a business or organisation?
Common Usability Problems
TipUsability problems can be analysed using the following criteria:
- Complexity/Simplicity: How easy is it for users to find solutions?
- Effectiveness: Does the system meet predefined performance levels?
- Efficiency: How quickly can users complete tasks?
- Error Handling: How well does the system prevent and recover from errors?
- Learnability: How quickly can new users become proficient?
- Memorability: Can users easily remember how to use the system after a break?
- Readability/Comprehensibility: Is the information easy to read and understand?
- Satisfaction: How do users feel about the system after using it?
Some common usability problems may involve:
- Complex interface/navigation:Â Users struggle to find the target page or function in poorly organised menus
- Lack of Feedback: Is your username just wrong, or is it the password?
- Inaccessible Design: Small icons and buttons make them harder to press
- Lack of Error Handling:Â Imagine making a transaction in an online bank, and the program just freezes randomly
- Poor Localisation: No option to choose the language is available
- Unclear Instruction: What am I even supposed to type in the form?
Common Usability Problems in digital devices and their potential fixes:
Personal Computers (PCs):
- Complex Interfaces: Menus confuse users → Use clearer layouts
- Accessibility Issues: Standard inputs may not suit all → Offer alternatives like voice control
- Health Concerns: Long use can cause strain → Promote ergonomic setups
When designing interfaces, prioritise clarity and simplicity to enhance user experience.
Mobile Phones:
- Small Keyboards: Hard for big fingers/eyesight → Voice input or bigger keys
- Feature Overload: Too many unused functions → Allow customisation
- Battery Life: Short lifespan frustrates users → Optimise software, add power-saving modes
- Feature overload can overwhelm users.
- Focus on core functionalities and allow customisation.
Digital Cameras:
- Complex Menus: Settings are hard to find → Simplify UI with icons
- Small Buttons: Difficult to press → Use touchscreens or larger buttons
- Connectivity Issues: Transfer needs special software → Enable wireless or drag-and-drop
- Think of a digital camera's interface like a car dashboard.
- It should provide essential controls at a glance, without overwhelming the driver with unnecessary information.
Game Consoles:
- Portability Challenges: Battery life & visibility issues → Improve power and screen
- Complex Controls: Hard for casual players → Add tutorials and custom layouts
Customizable controls can significantly enhance the gaming experience for players with diverse preferences.
MP3 Players
