definition

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Usability.gov defines usability as "the measure of the quality of a user's experience when interacting with a product or system — whether a Web site, a software application, mobile technology, or any user-operated device."

A website’s usability is tested by measuring how easily a person can learn to use the site, and once they are familiar with the site, how long it takes them to complete tasks. Moreover, usability involves how long it takes someone to remember how to use a site on return visits. Usability is also determined based on the frequency and severity of errors someone makes trying to complete a task. Lastly, usability is a measure of how much a person “likes” a site, a quality which is often a subjective judgment (Usability.gov). Creating a usable site is essential for keeping the interest of your audience and in persuading your audience to do what you want them to (buy your product, hire you for a job, visit your museum, etc.).

resources

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disability.gov
Website linking to information of interest to people with disabilities, their families, employers, service providers, and other community members.
closingthegap.com
Organization that focuses on assistive technology for children and adults with special needs through its bi-monthly newspaper.
aware.hwg.org
Accessible Web Authoring Resources and Education, designed to serve as a central resource for web authors to learn about web accessibility.
w3.org
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) helps develop specifications, guidelines, software, and tools to lead the Web to its full potential.
uiaccess.com
Resource providing free information on web accessibility in the forms of universal interface design and usable accessibility information.