Letters: Usability still tends to be a design afterthought

25 May 2006

Given the recent coverage surrounding Web site accessibility and usability, and now Usability Week (21-26 May), it's likely that design agencies will find themselves having to justify their expertise on these issues. The fact that most Web sites don't adhere to even the most basic requirements clearly shows that many organisations still don't understand the relationship between creativity and usability.

Many designers profess to appreciate usability. In actual fact creative design and usability are very different. Usability is often bolted on when it should be designed in. As a consequence, many good-looking Web sites just don't perform because the focus on usability is missing.

Understanding and designing a Web�site to be both usable and creative requires a collaborative approach: appreciation, aptitude and commercial experience. Designers shouldn't get hung-up with usability as it can actually help to enliven a design or translate it from incomprehensible to enjoyable. This in turn can boost conversion ratios as people have a tendency to respond more positively to other people or situations that treat them favourably.

Designers sometimes argue that usability and its counterpart, accessibility, limit innovation. Similarly, usability buffs argue that some designs focus too much on look rather than feel. Usability and creative design can't be separated. In fact, usability, accessibility, content and technology are all part of the user experience.

Usability is a language with many different dialects. Learn to speak the language or, if you can't, get someone who can.

Simon Norris, MD, Nomensa

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