Usability

Author: RaShan D. Lomax

Company: Cherubim Production LLC

This course has been a game changer in expanding my knowledge of usability, web design, and accessibility, and it’s already shaping how I think about digital experiences. When it comes to creating websites, the user should always be the focal point. From understanding usability principles to learning how to design a website with my target audience in mind, I feel I’m more equipped to more appeal to clients in the future.  What stood out to me most was how small tweaks can completely improve a site’s functionality. Through assignments like performing a website task analysis, I realized just how crucial it is to understand users' needs and behaviors to build sites that truly serve them.The hands on usability testing was especially eye-opening. I got to observe real users interacting with websites, gather valuable feedback, and use it to make informed decisions on improvements. It reinforced the importance of continuous testing and allowed me to understand that you must continue to improve your website to stay user friendly.

Another key takeaway was the role of findability in digital marketing. SEO, navigation, and content strategy are all vital to ensuring a site can be found by the right people. It’s easy to get lost in the weeds of SEO tactics, but this course taught me how to improve visibility without sacrificing user experience. Also, learning how to design websites that are accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities, gave me a new perspective on creating truly inclusive online experiences.All of these lessons have made me more confident in my ability to create websites that are not only functional but also appealing to a wide audience. As I move forward, I’m excited to apply these insights and continue improving my web design skills.