Media: ZDNet finds Usability Useless at Times

'Usable can still be Useless' screams this response to a Jakob Nielsen report, penned by a local Web expert for ZDNet Australia.

One particularly salient point, says author Adir Shiffman, is that in reviewing the achievement of tasks, identifying 'the functionality of the site and its fitness for purpose is at the core of its usability'. He says this concept is unfortunately glossed over by many self-proclaimed usability consultants.

'How does one objectively evaluate the ease with which sites can be used, their efficiency, level of visual impact, and – most difficult of all – the satisfaction with which users achieve tasks?'

He critiques methods of usability testing that some of us might take issue with as being the dominant ones in the market, but his final point is valid:

'As Web implementations are increasingly guided not by technology but rather by business cases, executives are demanding a demonstrable return on investment. In future it is most likely that a number of research methodologies – quantitative benchmarking, focus groups, surveys, and traffic – will be used synergistically to create an overall picture of user behaviour and direct Web site improvements and enhancements. Together with online business models, online research is moving into the Second Generation.'

Associated Link: ZDNet Australia: Web sites: Usable can still be useless

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