Usability
Usability concerns use by particular people for particular tasks and conditions. An attractive interface alone is insufficient evidence.
Usability concerns how usable a product is for particular people, tasks and conditions of use. Relevant questions include whether people can get started, complete the task without unnecessary effort and understand how to correct errors.
Considering an example
In a hypothetical ordering portal, a warehouse worker must enter a quantity in cartons. A prominent field is of little help if the displayed unit remains ambiguous. For this task, the investigation would examine whether the correct quantity can be entered and checked.
An assessment therefore needs named users, a task and conditions. It cannot follow from attractive design alone. Good usability of a subtask also does not prove that the overall offering meets the actual need.
Sources
Related terms
- User experienceUser experience extends beyond individual screens. A portal example distinguishes the interface from the experience of the wider service.
- User interfaceA user interface enables interaction with a system. Labels, feedback and responses to actions matter alongside the visual layout.
- Usability testA usability test observes suitable people performing realistic tasks. It examines use and needs a clear scope and well-documented notes.
- Focus orderFocus order determines the route through focusable elements. It should preserve meaning and operability, including during dynamic changes.
- Keyboard trapA keyboard trap leaves keyboard users stuck within a region. Deliberately containing focus in a dialog needs a keyboard-operable exit.
- Skip linkA skip link bypasses repeated navigation and leads to the main content. The destination must also work for subsequent keyboard navigation.
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