Usability refers to how easy it is to use something.  It measures the quality of a user’s experience in interaction with a website, intranet, software or other interface.

When interacting with an interface (website, mobile device, software, etc) we live through a communication experience. If the interface is friendly, intuitive and easy to use, our experience will be highly satisfactory, and the opposite will be true if it is confusing, slow or complicated.

When other people design interfaces for us according to what they believe we will need but without a consistent method of design focused on the user, it is very likely that the interface will be confusing, boring and unclear because it will not cater to our needs, level of knowledge or expectations.

The gap between interface developers (designers, programmers, etc.) and interface users is very wide. To narrow this gap and design interfaces according to the needs of the end-users, usability suggests a series of specific techniques that involve users from the beginning of a project.

Why is it better to design with usability techniques?

In a world of growing technological complexity, users have become more demanding and sophisticated. In little time and fewer clicks they need to solve complex tasks through a website, mobile or software. They immediately feel disappointed if these devices do not respond as expected. In sum, they choose and prefer interfaces that are easy to use and learn, and reject those that are complicated or confusing.

In the past, technology was used to differentiate a product.  Today this is no longer true.  There is an incredible amount of free-access tools - with no cost or licence required - that could be easily implemented within a company or for personal use.

In this context, the design of friendly communication experiences between people and systems is the key to obtaining better results in business. People are searching for experiences that will help, simplify and solve everyday work in less time.

Usability and user-centered design guarantee highly satisfactory communication experiences between people and systems, through the design of friendly, intuitive and easy to use interfaces.