Usability Lessons Learned

Here is a compilation of real-world examples showing what works on Web sites and applications that have been through the user-centered design process. Each example has its own special problems and targets different audiences, but many of the points learned apply broadly.

• The New Citizen-Centric, User-Friendly FEMA Website
  Lessons learned from the redesign and usability testing of the FEMA.gov Web site.
  
  
• Redesign of the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) Web Site
  Lessons learned from the redesign and usability testing of the US-CERT Web site.
  
  
• Redesign of the CancerNet Web Site
  Lessons learned from the redesign and testing of a large cancer information Web site. Although CancerNet no longer exists - it was collapsed into the Cancer.gov site - the principles still apply.
  
  
• Developing an Online Form
  Findings from the usability testing and redesign of an online form.
  
  
• Instant Messaging
  Findings from usability testing on the best way to provide online help.
  
  
• Design and Testing: Cancer Information on Handhelds
  Lessons learned for presenting print-based information booklets on handheld devices.
  
  
• Designing Educational Booklets for the Web
  Lessons learned for presenting online booklets.