2011-10-07

All access: the key to a user-friendly web-site

Sometimes we let technology run away with us. We see all these possibilities and get carried away, when, in fact, making it simple would do the user a real favour.

Let’s take an example and go from there. By applying the following strategies to any kind of web-site, you’ll end up with greater usability and probably more sales (which we think can’t be bad!)

1) Let’s say you run a microfilm scanning business. You both sell microfilm machines – 16 and 35mm – and maintain them for other companies. The first thing you should be thinking about is What does someone who buys microfilm equipment want from a site? The answer is simple: they want information about prices fast, and if they have a question they want to be able to ask it easily and quickly. They won’t want to spend ages perusing the site.

many companies waste money on wonderful branding and graphic design, only to forget that what people really need is information

2) So we’ve established that the site needs to be simple. Now we can move on to planning it. Next, consider how much information the user really needs straight away. They probably don’t want a lengthy company bio on the homepage, right? Exactly. But they will want to know who you are and where you have come from, so be sure to include this.

3) Now we come to buttons. It’s a shame to say it, but many companies waste money on wonderful branding and graphic design, only to forget that what people really need is information. Make your contact page visible and be sure to make all the links obvious. Don’t make any of it distracting and keep plenty of space between text – if you don’t follow this rule you do so at your peril!

4) Now you have a basic menu up and things are half-way there. The next step? Well, one things for sure: never overlook the other pages. Make sure they are all consistent. Remember, too, that lots of flashy images and videos will slow the loading time down. This means that impatient users – or company bosses with a lack of time – won’t have the patience to sit through lengthy intros.

5) Finally, let’s talk about getting an enquiry form on there somewhere; this is not essential but can be a great way to make things that much easier. A white box inviting the consumer to drop you a line or request a call-back can make all the difference to having no enquiries or too many for you to handle at once!

Want to know more about good design and how it can be applied to different things? Click on the video below.