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	<title>letscounthedays &#187; Usability</title>
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	<description>The Online Portfolio of Creative Professional Shay Howe</description>
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		<title>Universal Website Usability Rules</title>
		<link>http://www.shayhowe.com/usability/universal-website-usability-rules/</link>
		<comments>http://www.shayhowe.com/usability/universal-website-usability-rules/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:03:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Shay Howe</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Usability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Website usability and user testing is a fast growing topic among the web design and development community, and rightfully so. Outlined here are 10 universal website usability rules you need to follow.


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/tips-for-designing-a-non-profit-website/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Designing A Non-Profit Website'>Designing A Non-Profit Website</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/form-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Website Form Design'>Website Form Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/designing-home-pages/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Home Page Design'>Home Page Design</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><a href="/web-design/universal-website-usability-rules/">10 Usability Rules You Need to Follow</a></h1>
<img src="http://www.shayhowe.com/wp-content/themes/letscounthedays/articles/usability-rules/website-usability.jpg" alt="Website Usability Rules" />

<h4>Present Information and Media in a Recognizable Manner</h4>
<p><strong>Provide Text Alternatives</strong> &ndash; Any images, videos, or non-text based media presented to the user must have a text alternative or accompanying text.</p>
<p><strong>Make Content Adaptable</strong> &ndash; Today information is spread across a wide spectrum including computers, mobile devices, and so forth. Make sure your content is adaptable to all of these spectrums without losing information or composition.</p><span id="more-590"></span>
<p><strong>Make Content Distinguishable</strong> &ndash; Your content should be recognizable to users and provided in a way that makes it easier for them to see and hear. The best way to accomplish this is by using color (more importantly contrast), size, and other stylizing elements. For any audio, video, or active media make sure to provide controls to start and stop the media.</p>

<h4>Present an Operational Interface and Navigation</h4>
<p><strong>Use Keyboard Shortcuts</strong> &ndash; Many users prefer not to use a mouse, in which case they browse the web using their keyboard. Allow your website to fully function from a keyboard and provide shortcuts where possible.</p>
<p><strong>Give Users Time</strong> &ndash; If you are using any videos or animations on your website that contain text or comprehensible parts give users enough time to read or take in these elements. Moving too fast will frustrate users and in retaliation they will leave your website.</p>
<p><strong>Do Not Use Annoying Media</strong> &ndash; Anything that blinks, flashes, or may produce anxiety will frustrate users. General rule, anything that blinks or flashes more than 3 times a second can be considered annoying.</p>
<p><strong>Provide Multiple Ways to Navigate</strong> &ndash; Give users complete control of your website by allowing them to navigate located information and direct where they are at all times. To do so provide users with internal links, titles and headings, breadcrumb navigation, search features, and other navigation components.</p>

<h4>Present Information and Media in an Understandable Manner</h4>
<p><strong>Use Readable Text</strong> &ndash; Make your text readable and understandable by using correct grammar and pronunciation. Present your content in a manner that would be understandable to a third grader.</p>
<p><strong>Be Predictable</strong> &ndash; The layout and design of your website should be consistent throughout and the way information is presented should be predictable by users. The easier it is to access information the better.</p>
<p><strong>Provide Assistance</strong> &ndash; Help users stay away from any potential errors and fix any mistakes that they may have made. Do so by providing tool tips, automatic spell checking, and providing descriptive error messages when feasible.</p>

<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/tips-for-designing-a-non-profit-website/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Designing A Non-Profit Website'>Designing A Non-Profit Website</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/form-design/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Website Form Design'>Website Form Design</a></li>
<li><a href='http://www.shayhowe.com/web-design/designing-home-pages/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Home Page Design'>Home Page Design</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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