Since we've already talked a lot within each topic about making sites easier to use, most of this content is going to feel like a review of what was covered before. However, this isn't necessarily a bad thing, and I also feel that considering usability as a whole is important.
What is usability?
Usable Web sites are those which help users to accomplish a goal (e.g. to obtain some information) easily, quickly, and pleasantly.
What makes sites usable?
Many of the techniques discussed in this course help to make sites usable. Some specific usability strategies include making sure the content is worthwhile, and keeping page size small so that the site can be navigated quickly.
What causes problems?
Many sites on the Web are not very usable. Some common problems include a lack of clarity (the site does not explain what it is about) and slow loading times due to overuse of large graphics.
Users
Usability is about users. We can divide users into different groups (by ability, etc.) and consider the needs of each group, as mentioned in the lesson on content.
One way to test a Web site is by getting a potential user (somebody who wasn't involved in development) to use the site, watching any confusion or problems they might experience.
