Webusability

In 1982, I published my first book on computer usability, Human Performance Engineering. At that time, there were no other books that directly addressed the steps necessary to optimize computer system usability. Ben Shneiderman eventually published his excellent book, Designing the User Interface, in 1987.

During the previous 20-year period (1962-1982), there had been some book chapters written, and a few books that focused primarily on improving the input-output hardware. These are listed below:

• Gagne (1962) – Psychological Principles in System Development (Men and Computers)
• DeGreene (1970) – Systems Psychology (Man-Computer Interrelationships)
• VanCott and Kinkade (1972) – Human Engineering Guide to Equipment Design (Data Entry Devices and Procedures)
• Martin (1973) – Design of Man-Computer Dialogs
• Engel and Granda (1975) – Guidelines for Man/Display Interfaces
• Ramsey and Atwood (1979) – Human Factors in Computer Systems: A Review of the Literature
• Schneiderman (1980) – Software Psychology
• Cakir, Hart and Stewart (1980) – Visual Display Terminals 

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There are now many software tools available on the Internet that can help in the design and development of improved websites. Unfortunately, many (probably most) website developers do not know about these tools and consequently are not making full use of them. We have listed as many usability-related software tools as we can find.

We have put the full set of tools into categories that should help developers find those that may be of greatest value for creating optimal website interfaces:

• Accessibility evaluation tools
• Card sorting and analysis
• Content evaluators
• Graphic design tools
• Screen design and layout
• Screen size and compatibility tools
• Usability patterns
• Usability testing tools

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