Standards and policies
In general, usability refers to how well individuals can learn and use a product to achieve their goals and how satisfied they are with that process.
A key methodology for carrying out usability is human-centered design.
Usability measures the quality of a user’s experience when interacting with a product or system, such as a website, web application, SharePoint, software application, mobile technology, or any user-operated device.
Usability is not a single, one-dimensional property of a user interface. It is a combination of factors including:
- Ease of learning: How fast can a user who has never seen the user interface learn it sufficiently to accomplish basic tasks?
- Efficiency of use: Once an experienced user has learned to use the system, how fast can they accomplish tasks?
- Memorability: If a user has used the system before, can they remember enough to use it effectively the next time or do they have to relearn everything?
- Error frequency and severity: How often do users make errors while using the system, how serious are these errors, and how do users recover from these errors?
- Subjective satisfaction: How much does the user like using the system?
To report a usability issue, go to Ask VA.
VA websites and web applications will…
- Use the VA.gov design system components and patterns, which are based on the U.S. Web Design System and are tested for usability with VA.gov’s users.
- Be tested for usability with Veterans, family members, stakeholders, and web application and content users to identify improvements.
- Be browser neutral to the maximum extent possible. Site creators will design, develop, and test websites for a broad range of visitors, including those with lower-end hardware and software capabilities (i.e., browsers that are one version older than the current version).
- Comply with Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for People with Limited English Proficiency, to determine if any information on their websites require translation based on the need for such content.
- Post all finalized or signed memorandums, guidance, reports, plans, or policy documents to the appropriate and authoritative VA internet or intranet location.
- Comply with Section 508, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA (WCAG 2.1 AA is strongly recommended whereever possible and for new requirements).
