Module 07 · 15 min
What usability means
Usability is about the user and how they understand and use things. Human-centred design lowers complexity so the tool fits the task and feels understandable.
Two useful reminders
Steve Krug (Don’t Make Me Think): usability is about the user and how they understand and use things.
Don Norman (The Design of Everyday Things): the point of human-centred design is to lower complexity — turn a complicated tool into one that fits the task and is usable.
Usability elements
Use these five checks when you review a flow or a wireframe set.
- Effectiveness — people complete actions accurately.
- Efficiency — they finish through the easiest process, quickly.
- Engagement — it feels pleasant and worth using again.
- Error tolerance — many actions are supported; errors show only when they are real.
- Ease of learning — new users reach goals, and return visits get easier.