Usability Guidelines for Applications

Refer to these strategies for writing and designing online tools that are easy to use.

Keep these usability goals in mind when developing online applications:

• Know the users and write/ design for them.
• Write directions that are clear, concise, and complete.
• Write and design to reduce or eliminate the need for help text.
• Get user feedback and revise as needed.

Follow these usability guidelines for writing and design:

• Be consistent in:
  • Use of icons
  • Titles
  • Labels
  • Placement of page elements
  • Buttons
  • Editorial style
• Write and format instructions clearly:
  • Place instructions right above or to the left of the action desired. (People read from top to bottom and left to right.)
  • Place and order information and directions logically, e.g., number steps, group similar data requirements.
  • Write instructions as concisely and clearly as possible.
• Design for predictability:
  • Show where the user is in the process.
  • Give screens meaningful titles so users remember where they are and what they’re doing.
  • Show what will happen next: What’s the next step? Who will receive notification?
  • Use color cues.
  • Use icons that have standard (and understandable) meanings.
  • Use the same format on each screen to help users predict where to find directions and where to start the process for that screen.
• Design for ease of use:
  • Let the user tab from field to field.
  • Automatically place the cursor in the first field on a screen.
  • Provide confirmation and warning pop-ups and screens.
  • Design the tool to be self-correcting so users can’t go on if they make an error or skip an essential field.
  • Specify how data should be formatted (mm/dd/yyyy).
  • Indicate mandatory fields.
  • Design look-ups to populate the field with the desired data.
  • Build an intuitive format or process to reduce the need for directions or help text.
  • Stack fields vertically and restrict screen width to avoid horizontal scrolling.
  • Use a black, sans-serif font against a white or very light background.
• Address these process issues:
  • Use Single Sign-On so the application recognizes the user.
  • Design for accessibility, including an option to change font size.
  • Include Save and Preview options on each screen if possible.
  • Indicate when users should print a screen for their files.
  • Give clear printing instructions so the user doesn’t have to print a screen shot.

Technology

Usability & Accessibility Resources

• 5-Minute Check
• Tips
• Planning
• Applications
• Accessibility Tips for People With Disabilities