Test the site

We conduct usability testing every month.  3 "friends" come in and we give them a few tasks to complete on the site.  It's amazing what you can learn.  It takes a 1/2 day and then the time to discuss and decide if any issues need to be addressed.

It's a pain, it takes time and organization, but it's worth it.

Start Testing.

Good Start....Don't Make Me Think

If you have not read Steve Krug's Don't Make Me Think spend the $6 to buy this book and read it.  It's a great start for usability ideas.

You can get a used copy on amazon for $6 including shipping.

It will take you 30 minutes to read.....days and weeks to fully understand.

Don't ask me for stuff you do not need!

I was using a chat on  a site yesterday. The chat window opened and had 4 open boxes:

·        Name

·        Email Address

·        Phone Number

·        Question

I put my name and question in.....I was then told that I needed to add my email....I did.....then it said I needed to add my phone number... Bye Bye..... Why ask your visitor for any information that you do not need to accommodate their request? If I am more interested after chatting with you, I will give you the information.

" Let's make it easy for the customer....we are not in the order prevention business

Welcome to My Website Usability Bitching Post

 

I have been running a website for now over a decade and thought it would be fun to start a list of rants and bitches about website usability.

Everyone who develops their site, does so with the intention of having a very easy site for their customers to use. There are hundreds of usability testing companies in the market.....here is the free one.

 I will be giving you my "expert" advice on issues I see on sites that drive me crazy. It will be short and sweet. There will be no long drawn out white paper to explain these relatively easy issues to fix on your site. So please check back.   I will try to update the blog a few times a week with quick ideas!

 

Please join in and comment and give your feedback. "