The main reason web sites are built is so that they are functional to be USED. It’s a simple as that. They are tools, references and resources, nothing more. And as web designers, we need to always remember that.

Designing a web site needs to be about the user and only for the user and every possible need of said user has to have been foreseen and catered for. Only then can a web site be usable. That is what USABILITY is.

Ok, that might be the worst description of web usability that you have ever read, but I am sure you get the point. Usability is important. Very important. The most important.

The big question is ‘how do I make my website usable?’ That question has no real clear answer. Usability is not a science and is one of the most debated subjects within web design. There are only guidelines that you can follow and advice that you can seek.

The best way to make your web site accessible is to read as much on the subject as possible and that is where this post comes in.

For this post, we have collected the best resources for learning about web usability; there are downloadable eBooks, online manuals, printable guidelines and useful checklists. Hopefully these resources will give you a better insight and understanding.

via An Introduction to Understanding and Implementing Web Usability : Speckyboy Design Magazine.