1.2.12 Define the term usability.

Usability is the ease of use and learnability of a man-made object.

What are the benefits of making something more usable:

• More efficient to use—takes less time to accomplish a particular task
• Easier to learn—operation can be learned by observing the object
• More satisfying to use

When creating something new an individual should consider these points:

• Learnability: How easy is it for users to accomplish basic tasks the first time they encounter the design?
• Efficiency: Once users have learned the design, how quickly can they perform tasks?
• Memorability: When users return to the design after a period of not using it, how easily can they re establish proficiency?
• Errors: How many errors do users make, how severe are these errors, and how easily can they recover from the errors?
• Satisfaction: How pleasant is it to use the design?