Usability is a business decision if revenue is expected to come from a web site. It is used to determine what is wanted and needed by a business. Usability input is focused on delivering results and supporting all the ways and opportunities available to successfully meet those results. It’s tied to reputation management, customer service, word of mouth advertising and the return of investment for all marketing.

In addition to support for the business goals, usability testing acts as an advocate for customers and end users by educating companies on data collected on known user behavior, usage habits and issues such as those of disabled persons and the sight impaired. In some countries, such as the USA and the UK, some web sites must meet certain legal requirements or guidelines to do business online. Usability and human factors research are ongoing and closely tied to marketing goals and incentives.

When Should Usability Testing Be Performed?

When usability is brought to the table at the start of a project, it helps with site organization and information architecture, developing business and functional requirements, understanding end users, and fleshing out tasks.

When usability is part of the development process from start to finish, test cases are developed to make sure requirements are met, user goals are met, tasks are flawless, standards are adhered to and in the case of ecommerce and government web sites, legal requirements are met.

Usability testing that is not performed until the end of the development cycle, after rollout, often is not considered until issues arise. Testing is performed for discovery and solutions. In some cases, a redesign is necessary.

Usability services can be applied *at any time and may include:

1. Mock up reviews
2. Business requirements review
3. Functional requirements review
4. Assist in preparing web site guidelines
5. Assist in web site planning
6. Check to make sure legal requirements are met