#19025
Server log files are records of Web server activity (or server activity for any digital medium). They provide details about file requests to a server and the server response to those requests. Collecting and analyzing these files can provide: information about who is coming to your Web site; what information they're requesting; their navigation and behavior. What types of data you collect on your server depends on how it has been set up and defined by the technical staff.
Usability.gov (1998). Articles>Web Design>Usability>Log Analysis
#28338
Even though it is important to ensure visual consistency, steps should be taken to emphasize important text. Commonly used headings should be formatted consistently, and attention-attracting features, such as animation, should only be used when appropriate.
Usability.gov (2006). Design>Web Design>Typography
#20644
Provides a basic overview of and general information about usability.
#27146
Repeated (iterative) usability testing finds problems sooner, and usability engineering helps agencies save money. With those ideas in mind, it makes sense that agencies would want to submit their sites and other products to usability testing; doing so is an effective use of taxpayer money, especially with regard to performance measures.
Martin, Beth A. Usability.gov (2006). Articles>Usability>Testing
#28344
There are two major considerations when conducting usability testing. The first is to ensure that the best possible method for testing is used. Generally, the best method is to conduct a test where representative participants interact with representative scenarios. The tester collects data on the participant's success, speed of performance, and satisfaction. The findings, including both quantitative data and qualitative observations information, are provided to designers in a test report. Using 'inspection evaluations,' in place of well-controlled usability tests, must be done with caution. Inspection methods, such as heuristic evaluations or expert reviews, tend to generate large numbers of potential usability 'problems' that never turn out to be actual usability problems.
Usability.gov (2006). Design>Web Design>Usability>Testing
#28346
A bibliography of books and articles about usability and user-centered design in the web design process.
Usability.gov (2006). Resources>Bibliographies>Web Design>Usability
#28341
Content is the most important part of a Web site. If the content does not provide the information needed by users, the Web site will provide little value no matter how easy it is to use the site. When preparing prose content for a Web site, use familiar words and avoid the use of jargon. If acronyms and abbreviations must be used, ensure that they are clearly understood by typical users and defined on the page. Minimize the number of words in a sentence and sentences in a paragraph. Make the first sentence (the topic sentence) of each paragraph descriptive of the remainder of the paragraph. Clearly state the temporal sequence of instructions. Also, use upper- and lowercase letters appropriately, write in an affirmative, active voice, and limit prose text on navigation pages.
Usability.gov (2006). Articles>Web Design>Writing
