Usability, Learnability, Visibility, Efficiency

Usability

Usability refers to the ease with which users can interact with a system or interface to achieve their goals effectively and efficiently. It is crucial for ensuring user satisfaction, productivity, and overall user experience.

Usability Principles:

  1. Learnability: The system should be easy to learn, allowing users to quickly become proficient in using it.

  2. Efficiency: The system should enable users to perform tasks quickly and with minimal effort.

  3. Memorability: Users should be able to remember how to use the system after a period of non-use.

  4. Errors: The system should prevent errors or help users recover from errors easily.

  5. Satisfaction: Users should find the system enjoyable, aesthetically pleasing, and engaging.

Visibility

Visibility refers to the degree to which the state and behavior of a system are evident and understandable to users. Visible interfaces help users understand the current state of the system and make informed decisions.

Examples: A button that appears raised or depressed to indicate whether it is clickable or not; progress bars that show the completion status of a task.

Learnability

Learnability refers to the ease with which users can understand and learn to use a system or interface. Learnable interfaces enable users to quickly grasp the functionality and features of a system, reducing the learning curve.

Efficiency

Efficiency refers to the speed and ease with which users can accomplish tasks and goals within a system or interface.

Importance: Efficient interfaces save users time and effort, leading to increased productivity and user satisfaction.

Examples: A spreadsheet software with a comprehensive set of keyboard shortcuts for formatting and data manipulation