Web Usability Made Simple

D15 from a comprehensive curriculum on User eXperience (UX) currently under development at The Online User eXperience Institute (OUXI).

This course is one of a track of courses aimed at small web business owners, students and developers/designers with little or no prior training in software/web usability.

Before you attend this course, we recommend that you take the free, 30 minute course called "Introduction to Web and eCommerce User eXperience Design". As well as providing a high level overview for this and other related courses from the same OUXI curriculum training track, it will explain how the small fees you invest in these courses could pay off in thousands of dollars in increased revenues from your ecommerce website.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course addresses one of three key aspects of the User eXperience of eCommerce and other websites: usability (other courses in the OUXI curriculum will address designing for persuasion and graphic design).

The course is very concrete, a "how-to" course offering clear, actionable guidelines and hands-on exercises. These website usability guidelines are not based on subjective opinion - they have all been well established by rigorous, published research from disciplines such as cognitive science and computer-human interaction. Each guideline is fully explained and generously illustrated with many examples from real websites.

The 34 design guidelines offered were selected from the full body of knowledge on web usability to be: universal (i.e., applicable to any and all websites), easy to explain, commonly violated, high impact, and easy to implement. They represent the "low-hanging fruit" in designing for web usability.

With nothing beyond these 34 key guidelines, anyone should be able to realize major improvements in the usability of their website, which will contribute measurably to the success of the site in meeting its business goals.

COURSE FORMAT

The course format is a Powerpoint presentation accompanied by a studio-recorded video lecture, broken up into chapters and lectures.

Downloadable course materials include the full Powerpoint presentation in two formats - full slides, and two slides per page - and an actionable, Excel-based guidelines checklist that can be used as you apply your new skills to real web projects.

The course includes about 3 hours of lecture, and roughly 1.5 - 2 hours of hands-on exercises.

Both quick (a couple of minutes) and more comprehensive (roughly 45 minutes) optional hands-on exercises, followed by sample exercise solutions, help reinforce your understanding of the guidelines.

Your registration for this course entitles you to 30 minutes of "office hours" with the instructor via email. You can email questions to the instructor and receive personal responses. Send email to drdeb@ouxinstitute.com with "OUXI D15" in the subject line.

--- **Course Overview:** This online course offers a comprehensive overview of web usability, providing clear and direct advice to make websites more user-friendly. The content is designed to be highly applicable, with a well-structured curriculum that is pleasant to view. It is an excellent starting point for those new to the field of UX or as a refresher for more experienced professionals. **Pros:** - **Content Clarity and Relevance:** The course content is accurate and presented at a basic level, making it accessible for beginners and serving as a reminder for seasoned professionals. - **Real-World Examples:** Throughout the course, there are numerous real-world examples that demonstrate the principles taught. This approach helps to solidify understanding by connecting theory with practical application. - **Quality Production:** The audio and video quality is clear and of good standard, contributing to an enjoyable learning experience. - **Focus on Real Websites:** The course focuses on real webpages, both those with major problems and those that are well-designed, which provides a grounded perspective on usability issues. - **Structured Learning Process:** The information is organized in a clear structure, making the learning process easy and enjoyable. - **Expert Instructor:** Dr. Deborah J. Mayhew's expertise in the subject matter is evident, and her ability to break down complex concepts into understandable segments makes her an excellent instructor for beginners. - **Effective Learning Tools:** The course includes exercises that help reinforce learning and provide immediate application of the principles taught. - **Additional Resources:** The instructor provides feedback on students' work via email, offering further support even after the course completion. - **Engaging and Thought-Provoking Content:** The course encourages a deeper understanding of user interface design and its importance in today's digital landscape, particularly with the increasing use of handheld electronic devices. **Cons:** - **Limited Depth on UX Discipline:** While the course gives a good introduction to usability, it does not delve deeply into the broader field of User Experience (UX). - **No In-Depth Theory Coverage:** The course is more focused on practical examples and real-life applications rather than extensive theory coverage. **Additional Notes:** - **Comprehensive Feedback:** The instructor's prompt feedback on website design after course completion is a valuable addition to the learning experience. - **Recommended Supplementary Material:** Listening to an interview of Dr. Deborah J. Mayhew on the "Online Learning Podcast" is recommended for a broader understanding of the course content and its implications in the field of UX. --- **Final Verdict:** This course by Dr. Deborah J. Mayhew is a solid introduction to web usability, offering practical advice and examples that make the learning experience both engaging and informative. It is highly recommended for anyone looking to understand or improve the usability of websites, regardless of their experience level in UX design. The course's emphasis on real-world applications and its interactive exercises make it a valuable resource for those seeking to enter the field or enhance their current knowledge.