How do we evaluate usability? By applying our proprietary Usable Times 5™ method.

The research basis for all our usability and information design services
Measures five critical factors in usability and user satisfaction
Based on thousands of one-on-one usability tests
Read our usability testing FAQ

Our Usable Times 5™ criteria have shown that users process information in the following sequence:

1. Orientation: "Where am I?"

Orientation cues tell you where you are and where you're going. Screen interfaces must be highly self-explanatory so users can move through tasks with confidence.

Bottom line: Users must always know where they are on your site; if they get lost, they'll leave.

2. Permission: "Did I request that?"

Permission consists of two important components: privacy and uninterrupted "flow" as you move through a task. Clear privacy policies are critical. It's equally important to restrict popups and "rude" error messages.

Bottom line: Give the user what he came to see or do, without interruption, or he will go elsewhere.

3. Interactivity: "What can I do here?"

Interactivity cues must explain themselves. You see pictures, blue hypertext links, text entry fields, and control buttons before you see text. Why? Because you want to interact with the screen.

Bottom line: Your Web site must provide users clear interaction cues, or they may miss out on your features.

4. Relevance: "Does this matter to me?"

Relevance cues provide a "starting point" on computer screens. Can you see the three most important functions immediately? Is the useful information you want within view? Does the search function work?

Bottom line: What users consider most relevant must be immediately apparent, or they will leave the site.

5. Speed: "How long will this take me?"

Speed cues tell you how long you should expect a task to take. Can you quickly navigate to highly desired items? Can you opt out of multimedia? Do you know how long it will take to fill out an online form?

Bottom line: Users must know how much time an interaction will take, or they may not begin it at all.

Conduct usability testing on your Web site - or take a shortcut to success with our RealityCheck Report™ - an expert look at your Web site's effectiveness.

Contact us to learn more about how usability testing and analysis, information architecture, user interface design, and usability training dramatically improve your Web site. , (520) 744-6911