Criteria for optimal web design (designing for usability)

By Michael L Bernard

Designing a website that takes into account the human element requires both an understanding of our nature as well as our physiological limitations. Usable websites incorporate human tendencies and limitation into its overall design. The questions below are meant to address some of the more important human factors concerns in the design and building of usable websites.

Updated: March 30, 2003

• How should information be positioned in a typical website?
    

• What is the best way to arrange menus?
   

• How can I make my website's structure more navigable?
   

• How should text be presented within a website?
   

• How can I effectively use images on my website?
   

• Are frames ever appropriate?
   

• How can I design a visually pleasing interface that follows usability principles?
   

• How can I reduce the major user annoyances on my site?
   

• How can I make my site more accessible to children?
   

• How can I make my site more accessible to older adults?
    

• How can I make sure my site follows general Web conventions?
   

• How can my website promote customer sales and loyalty?
    

• How can I make my site more appealing to international users?
    

• References

 
For more research information: Personal web page
Visit our Newsletter: Usabilitynews.org
or email me: mber@acm.org

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