Usability Defined

by Paul Sherman on May 25, 2007 · Comments

One not-so-great thing about usability is that it has so many definitions. Here are a few of the most well-known:

Usability is “the extent to which a product can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in a specified context of use.” (ISO 9241-11)
“In human-computer interaction and computer science, usability usually refers to the elegance and clarity with which the user interface of a computer program or a web site is designed.” (Wikipedia)
“Usability is the measure of the quality of a user’s experience when interacting with a product or system,” whether a Web site, a software application, mobile technology, or any user-operated device.” (Usability.gov)

Got a definition to share? Send it along. I’ll post it.