The general shortage of usable Web sites isn't without a silver lining. The good news is that since Web site usability is almost universally lacking, there's a tremendous opportunity to capture online marketshare by increasing usability. By creating a Web site that caters to users' needs, goals, and expectations, companies can stand out on the Internet. As an example, take VisualNet Communications, an Internet startup company developing an online video e-mail system. VisualNet is taking great pains to minimize its singularity to the user by ensuring it integrates seamlessly and naturally into products with which the user is already familiar.
Usability is the first priority.
Usability is a huge part of our success. If our product is difficult to use, we won't be a player in this market. It's only important to the extent that it enables people to do what they really want to do, that it makes their life easier, and gives them greater choice and freedom. How to build a usable Web site Volumes have been written on Web site usability, and it would be impossible to provide a definitive list of guidelines to fit every need. However, here are a few high-level suggestions to consider as you're developing or retooling a Web site.