The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines usability as “The extent to which a product can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction in a specified context of use.” In our context, that boils down to how easy it is to use your website.
Jakob Nielsen identifies five quality components of usability:
- Learnability: How quickly users can accomplish task on the first viewing of your site.
- Efficiency: How quickly can tasks be accomplished.
- Memorability: How easy is it to maintain or reestablish profiency.
- Errors: How many errors to users make and can they overcome them.
- Satisfaction: Is the site pleasant for the user.