Web site ergonomics can scientifically manipulate and improve these areas to create an interface that meets users' needs and expectations. With the ergonomic approach, companies can identify areas needing improvement and adjust test scenarios to isolate and probe issues. A cleaner site, through which people are able to find what they need more quickly. The methodology includes contextual inquiry to understand the user's environment, task flow, problems and opportunities. Task design, based on human engineering principles, then creates an efficient navigational structure that optimizes task flow.
Usability testing is a crucial step.
The result is a site with a high degree of usability and productivity. Meeting users' needs Sites should be built based on a systematic and scientific understanding of the user population. Find out what users need, then engineer the site to meet their requirements, taking advantage of research data to determine details of design. The integration of hardware, software, graphics, technology and human factors engineering will result in a hospitable, user-centered site, which turns lookers into buyers. Eric M. Schaffer, Ph.D., CPE, is president of Human Factors International.