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Usability is a term used to determine how easy it is to use a user interface on a web page. There are five components used to measure the usability of a web page; learnability, efficiency, memorability, errors, and satisfaction. Basically usability is the ability of a user to go to a website and easily understand and access the site without any problems.
When creating a web page, one has to keep in mind that the web page does not own the user, but that the user owns the web page. If no one goes to a web page, then it is pointless. This is why usability is so important. There are so many web pages out there that if there is something that dissatisfies someone, they will leave and find what they are looking for else where. For this reason we need to make sure that things are easy to find, that there are no errors, and that the user will be satisfied with our page.
The best way that we can find out how the others react to our web site is through the users themselves. We could ask them, but an even more efficient way is to have them test it and watch their reaction to the site. This way we can see if it is difficult to find something, if there are any errors that occur, or if there is anything about the site that frustrates the user. It is a good idea to use small test groups and to do it various times until the site has reached perfection.
There are several steps that can help with the testing process of a web page. The first step is to test the old design before you start on the new one, so that you can find out which parts of the design are good and you want to keep, so as to not change something that is already good. Another step is to create this test in a natural habitat for the user. If the user feels uncomfortable or strange in any way, it will affect the test. You need to help the user that is testing the interface to feel as natural as possible. Another idea to help with the testing process is to create paper prototypes of one or more designs to test them and see which ones you like best before taking the time to create something that you will end up changing anyway. One key step is to constantly test the site throughout the whole process, always getting an idea of what needs to be changed. Finally if you consistently run user studies, it is good to have a set apart laboratory for this use. If not the studies can take place in an office or conference room if need be.