Learn to Create USABLE Designs
Have you ever visited a website that was completely unusable by you? Maybe the links weren’t obvious, the navigation confusing, or the images were completely obtrusive. There are some definite DOs and DON’Ts when it comes to designing websites that are attractive and very importantly usable. If a visitor can’t figure out how to navigate your site or if the special effects of the site force visitors to leave quickly before getting to your content, then you’ve got problems.
I just discovered a FREE online book that discuses these and many other important issues surrounding website usability called Access by Design Online. I think this is DEFINITELY worth spending some time reading!
I hope we’re not talking about my website ;p
Yes, this is a very useful resource, one that I have bookmarked already. I did actually notice it over on the killersites forums, but thought it to be some pdf download.
This resource reminds me very much of some other ‘open online book’ that I occasionally (or, once in a blue moon) used to browse, but I can’t remember what is was called?
I do now believe that building web pages by those who only want attention, grabbing visuals to be their serious side will soon be in decline if they are not willing to allow others the sophistication, accessibility, and usability that is now the (expected?) responsible trait of any web designer / developer of today’s profession.
Btw, I don’t do this web page building thingy for a living — thank God!
Oh, I wasn’t thinking of any particular website when I posted this. ;p
I agree. Web designers have a responsibility to create websites that are usable for all people. I know I still have a lot to learn on that front, but I try to implement what I know so far.
Interesting that you said you’d already seen this book. So did Billyboy over at Killersites. This is the first time I’ve seen it, though. I think it’s pretty good!