Usability Lessons Learned

Here is a compilation of real-world examples showing what works on Web sites and applications that have been through the user-centered design process. Each example has its own special problems and targets different audiences, but many of the points learned apply broadly.

Web sites

• The New Citizen-Centric, User-Friendly FEMA Web site - Lessons learned from the redesign and usability testing of the FEMA.gov Web site.
• Redesign of the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) Web site - Lessons learned from the redesign and usability testing of the US-CERT Web site.
• Redesign of the CancerNet Web site - Lessons learned from the redesign and testing of a large cancer information Web site. Although CancerNet no longer exists - it was collapsed into the Cancer.gov site - the principles still apply.

Online Forms

Developing an Online Form - Findings from the usability testing and redesign of an online form.

Instant Messaging

Instant Messaging - Findings from usability testing on the best way to provide online help.

Handhelds

Design and Testing: Cancer Information on Handhelds - Lessons learned for presenting print-based information booklets on handheld devices.

Educational Booklets

Designing Educational Booklets for the Web - Lessons learned for presenting online booklets.