Capstone Paper
Improve Usability for Websites of Small Businesses
University of Denver
University College - Capstone Seminar
Thesis Statement
Small organizations must implement cost-effective usability methods early on in the web development cycle to improve user experience on all display devices for lower cost and efficient development.
Issues due to lack of usability
Not adjusting to different screen sizes
Difficult to understand or read content
Improper navigation
Not enough or too much information
Complicated to use
Cluttered layout
Slow-loading website
Not designed for the target audience
SOLUTION
Guidelines
User-centered Design
Organize Content and Information
Consistent, Clean and Straightforward Layout and Design
Proper Navigation
Searchability
Responsive Design
Page Speed
Usability Testing
Benefits of a usable website
Increased revenue generation from website
Satisfied customer resulting in return customers
Early implementation is cheaper
Save money on support
Less training cost for internal websites
Broad customer base when using responsive design
Increase productivity and efficiency
Improve user interface and user experience based on user feedback from testing
Recommendation
Do a cost-benefit analysis to get the projected return on investment for the usability of a website
Web design companies should promote usability
Educational institutions should focus on usability training
More research in developing cost-effective usability methods
More awareness on the importance of usability
