ABSTRACT
The World Wide Web’s reach has even affected graphical user interfaces (GUIs) development. Web-based interfaces (e.g., browsers) have certain limitations and characteristics that affect usability development. This chapter provides an explanation of how to adapt usability techniques for developing browser interfaces. It is impossible to engage in a detailed discussion of systems development planning in a chapter of this length — the variables, constraints, and forces are too complex. Disclaimers aside, it is important to understand just how a focus on usability affects development plans. Usability specifications are most effective when developed in concert with the product specification. They should be considered as part of the product specification. The usability specification often affects system analysis by sensitizing the development team to aspects of the system that require special attention. Once systems development management has made the commitment to the usability approach chapters, developers are often eager to begin lo-fi design as quickly as possible.
