Of the usability characteristics, effectiveness is often confused with efficiency; but they are not the same. Efficiency is concerned primarily with how quickly a task can be completed. Whereas effectiveness, as we saw in the last feature, concerns itself with completeness and accuracy of a task.
ISO 9241 defines efficiency as:
The total resources expended in a task.
Measurable parameters of efficiency are the number of mouse-clicks and keystrokes required or the total time on task. Layouts with visual elements that are designed with visible contrast, with proper text, and good logical placement – define clear user actions and choices, resulting in an efficient user interface. Also keyboard shortcuts, alternate menu navigational paths, and buttons all contribute towards efficiency.
The most common example of efficiency is the design and use of CTRL+C, CTRL+X, and CTRL+V in case of Windows – respectively the shortcut keys assigned to Copy, Cut, and Paste data. Though it may seem like portions of seconds or a few seconds saved while doing this operation, imagine the repeatability of these functions, which add up to a huge time-saving. Having FAQ sections on complex sites also lead to efficiency of use, where the recipe is to provide some quick answers/guidelines to common queries and doubts, rather than only keeping them embedded inside an ocean of content.
Few examples of efficiency:
For sites and products to be more efficient, the focus in the iterative design process should be on the time taken for achieving the goal by the intended audience. It can be clicks, keystrokes, page views, search results…anything that has a quantifiable co-relation with time.
Thoughts?
Next ‘E’ to follow after this feature – Engaging.
Vishal Mehta is a usability professional who loves to play chess and has a strong eye for details. He’s also the CEO of IDYeah Creations, a UX practice in Pune, India. Vishal is also a guest blogger on UXBooth, Technorati, BlogCritics, and SAP Community Network.
Related posts:
- Usability Characteristic: “Effective”
- Usability Characteristic: “Easy To Learn”
- Usability Characteristic: “Engaging”
- Usability Characteristic: “Error Tolerant”
- The Five Es of Usability
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