Usability

Web usability is gaining its importance in nowadays fast-paced society. The reason is that the Internet can store tremendous amount of information for the global users and we can get the information needed within seconds. Sometimes, when the end-users are exposed to millions of different sources of information, it is really important for us to narrow down what we need in a more efficient way.

Let us take a look at the example of Yahoo’s main page. Right next to the YAHOO! Title is a search box where end-users can look up for the information to fulfill their needs. On the very left side, there is the navigation panel which will lead the users to the various yahoo sites related to finance, jobs, entertainment, weather, shopping and so on. Under this major navigation panel is a section called “my favorites”, so end-users can add or delete what important activities they require for personal need. Another good illustration of the highly convenient Yahoo website is the middle section which is the news section. This section includes the local and worldwide news. The images of the hot topics are also showing under the news in order to direct the readers’ attention to highlight the importance of certain information. Overall, Yahoo did a really good job of reducing the potential ambiguity for readers while viewing the website. The information is clearly laid out, and the interface is very organized. It helps the users to find what they need more efficiently and improve the user-friendly features of the website.