Usability | ||
The usability of a system depends on two equally important factors: the visual and the conceptual. Unless both these characteristics are well-designed then the system will not meet its expectations and could end up being a costly mistake. All too often systems and websites are designed with only regard to the look and feel, ignoring the deeper (and harder to create) conceptual basis for the system. The Metataxis approach is to design the conceptual model first and then apply a sound visual design using built on that foundation. In web usability this entails understanding the language and its meaning when a user interacts with a site. From the language used comes the more abstract conceptual model. For example is the state pension a "benefit" or an "entitlement"? Technically it can be considered a benefit, but if you ask a pensioner who has spent 50 years paying national insurance they might view it differently. And they might not think of clicking the "benefits" link. |
