Comments on: When Did “Ease of Use” Become a Feature?

By: Eugene

Eugene — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:15:12 +0000

Now everyone is talking about the American economy and eclections, nice to read something different. Eugene

By: Josh Neumann

Josh Neumann — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 18:32:51 +0000

Very sound advice, too bad more companies don’t follow it.

By: Tim Knight

Tim Knight — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 03:04:03 +0000

Phyllis – thanks so much for your comment. I think really while usability in it’s essence is ‘simple’ the act of creating something usable can be far more difficult. For a user to see something and believe ‘this is what I want’, you must know how to clearly represent that to them… and everyone is different. These days studies are showing that users will use a poorly architected site for two main reasons, 1) because they find it emotionally pleasing (it’s pretty); and 2) because their ego tells them ‘I can figure this out’. Either way you have a temporary user. The 1 group will only use it until they find something more pleasing, and the 2 group will likely not buy a second time.

The key really comes down to understanding the basic tasks your users are trying to do… and lead them throughout that process. I’m glad you found the posting helpful, I wish you good luck on passing out the message to those that you’re working with. Thanks for reading.

By: Phyllis Hutchison

Phyllis Hutchison — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:28:36 +0000

OH MY GOSH!! DO YA THINK?!
I agree wholeheartedly with what you are saying. Usability is an institutively simplistic process that your customers follow. They say to themselves…”Gee this looks like what I want.” (click). If it doesn’t take them where they anticipated, they will try the same process one more time just to be sure and if it doesn’t work they are gone. You’ve lost your customer right on your web site! Spell it out for me and I can figure out if its what I need or not. Then give me an easy way to place my order. I’m done. My boss is obsessing over this very problem. I’ll keep trying. But thanks for your insight, I’ve given him a copy of this installment of your blog, as my supporting argument. This is just what I needed!