#spstc 25 usability tips for sharepoint 2013/sharepoint online sites by @sharepointwendy
DESCRIPTION
Presented at SharePoint Saturday Twin Cities on November 22, 2014. Abstract: SharePoint sites out of the box have the capability of being user-friendly, but only if they are designed and configured that way. Wendy shows you 25 simple tips and tricks that site owners or front end SharePoint developers can implement on their SharePoint sites to make them more user-friendly. From navigation best practices, to forms etiquette, to what to put on the home page, to graphics optimization, and much more - you will come away armed with a list of practical usability tips that are easy to implement, and your users will thank you. Accompanying video demos are located here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxSc1uqWwEXly_q8Ae1WzrE8s4l9QQpetTRANSCRIPT
25 Usability Tips for SharePoint 2013/
SharePoint Online Sites
SharePoint Saturday Twin Cities
November 22, 2014
Wendy Neal
@SharePointWendy http://wendy-neal.com
Wendy NealSenior SharePoint ConsultantMcGladreyCedar Rapids, Iowa
@SharePointWendy
facebook.com/wendynealblog
linkedin/in/wendyneal
youtube.com/sharepointwendy
plus.google.com/+WendyNeal
wendy-neal.com
• Co-author of Black Magic Solutions for White Hat SharePoint
• Co-founder of SharePoint-Community.net
• Writer for CMSWire.com
Website usability overview
25 usability tipso Navigation
o Forms Etiquette
o Content
o Design
o Metadata
Questions
Agenda
Website usability overview
Rule #1: Don’t make your users think
Read this book!!
Usability Tips (1-6):
Navigation
Navigation
Primary navigation links should always be visible and consistent no matter where you are on the site
Navigation
Limit the number of primary navigation links to 9 or less
Navigation
Use function-driven navigation when possible (verbs instead of nouns)
Navigation
You should have a link back to the home page on every page of your site
Navigation
Hyperlinks should open in same window if going to same site, or new window if external site
Navigation
Even though it’s tedious, be sure to test all hyperlinks on your site
Navigation
Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeG1u9FnrjU&list=PLxSc1uqWwEXly_q8Ae1WzrE8s4l9QQpet&index=1
Usability Tips (7-11):
Forms Etiquette
Forms Etiquette
Identify required fields and other validation on forms
Forms Etiquette
Set default values on fields when it makes sense
Forms Etiquette
Group fields logically on forms
Forms Etiquette
Hide unnecessary form data from users
Forms Etiquette
Let users know that their form submission was successful
Forms Etiquette
Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB9ZNhFL1xE&list=PLxSc1uqWwEXly_q8Ae1WzrE8s4l9QQpet&index=2
Usability Tips (12-16):
Content
Content
Avoid too much content on the home page and landing pages
Content
Only show relevant information to the user
Content
Change the default views on lists to a view that is more useful
Content
Use descriptive names for content (lists, libraries, documents, items)
Content
Be sure to continuously add fresh content to your site
Content
Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqIcB7R_Doc&list=PLxSc1uqWwEXly_q8Ae1WzrE8s4l9QQpet&index=3
Usability Tips (17-21):
Design
Design
Your site should have a consistent look and feel across all sub sites and pages
Design
Use good balance of images, text, and white space
Design
Optimize all graphics to reduce page download times
Design
Use contrasting colors in your design to improve readability
Design
Use consistent hyperlink colors and styles
Design
Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLBZQ9g7J9k&list=PLxSc1uqWwEXly_q8Ae1WzrE8s4l9QQpet&index=4
Usability Tips (22-25):
Metadata
Metadata
Don’t use folders (unless you really need to use folders)
Metadata
If you must use folders, be sure to set default metadata on them
Metadata
Pay attention to what your users are searching for
Metadata
Only index the things that you want to show up in search results
Metadata
Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W92_xcRMmmI&list=PLxSc1uqWwEXly_q8Ae1WzrE8s4l9QQpet&index=5
Questions…
Thank you #SPSTC sponsors!