By Jim Clanin
Use simple usability principles that have been the same since web design started. None of them involve advanced “Web 2.0” features and none are fixed by implementing exotic technologies.
The biggest design flaws destroying business value typically involve:
- Communicate clearly so that users understand you. Users allocate minimal time to initial website visits, so you must quickly convince them that the site’s worthwhile.
- Providing information users want. Users must be able to easily determine whether your services meet their needs and why they should do business with you.
- Offer simple, consistent page design, clear navigation, and an information architecture that puts things where users expect to find them.
Get these right, and you’ll improve your site’s credibility, ease a user’s way through the site, and thus do far more for the site’s business value.
