Corporate So

Usability Defined

"Usability is critical for any application, but for mass-market software, usability spells success or failure more clearly than any other feature." Dr. Jerold M. Grochow, Chief Technology Officer, American Management Systems

A usable system enables users to perform their job effectively and efficiently.  This is achieved by ensuring that users’ needs and requirements are met by the product.  Usability varies with the users, the tasks they perform, and the context of their task behaviour. 

Usability Business Benefits 

The usability of systems and processes is a major determinant of business success. Usable systems enable staff to work effectively and deliver benefits to a business:

	Effective systems, workflow and environments enable users to carry out their tasks more quickly.
	Users require less training if systems are easy to learn and match the way in which users approach their tasks.
	Staff turnover and absenteeism may be reduced if users feel that they are adequately supported in their jobs.
	Users will not require re-training and will be able to return to peak levels of performance more quickly after absences.
	Clear, well designed processes mean that users will not lose time through errors, and the business will have lower reconciliation costs.

Measuring Usability

Usability is definable and measurable. Targets for efficiency and effectiveness can be set and achievement measured. The following areas are strong candidates for consideration:

	Productivity Usable systems enable users to carry out their tasks more quickly, thereby improving productivity.
	Learnability Users require less training if systems are easy to learn and match the way in which they approach their tasks.
	User Satisfaction Staff turnover and absenteeism may be reduced if users feel that they are adequately supported in their jobs. User satisfaction is key to success.
	Memorability Users will require less training and will be able to return to peak levels of performance more quickly after absences if systems and processes are memorable.
	Error Rates Usable systems are less prone to human error and can reduce reconciliation costs.

An article is available if you would like to know more about usability engineering.

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