Usability

Usability, or user-friendliness, refers to how easily a user can perform a specific task. Whether it concerns buying a product, or finding information, the efficiency and simplicity involved can determine the degree of user satisfaction.

Usability is a determining factor for success. If visitors to a site cannot find or use something, they will leave.

Indivirtual sees usability as one of the cornerstones upon which ideas, interactive designs and graphic designs are based. When developing a web application, Indivirtual adheres to the following guidelines.

Is the product...

1. Intuitive: is it easy to learn?
2. Efficient: how quickly and efficiently can one perform a task?
3. Easy to remember: on repeat visits, can a user quickly remember how something works?
4. Handling errors and unexpected situations: what happens when an error is made or an unexpected situation arises? Can a user correct the error easily?
5. Pleasant: is it pleasant to use; does the design give the user a positive impression?

Interactive design and usability

Often it is only when the final website product is delivered that one sees if it is user-friendly or not. Indivirtual utilizes Rapid Web Prototyping, a gray-scale click-through model of the final website.

The Rapid Web Prototype:

• Shows actual interactivity.
• Reveals what happens in unexpected situations.
• Lets clients see an accurate picture of the "path" users must follow to complete a specific task.

Usability test

Indivirtual facilitates usability tests (user studies) with the Rapid Web Prototyping serving as the test environment in most cases. A usability test consists of testing a group of (end) users. This group is asked to complete one or more tasks. Testing the site in the initial phase allows one to identify the weak spots early on, so that they may be corrected. Carrying out a usability test permits insight into user behavior and expectations for the future site.

Since Indivirtual is usually the one developing the site, we let an external party administer the usability test. This guarantees the test's integrity.

Want more information? Contact us using the contact form or call 703.248.2612.