Here is an article that exposes usability in 10 easy to understand points through web design. Smashing Magazine also has older usability articles like 10 usability nightmares and 30 usability issues. They are all a must read.

One very important item, before I comment on their 10 points, is that users DON’T READ a website, users actually SCAN a website for information, then read. Something I scream to the wind as being true, and that actually explains a few of the points below.

Here are Smashing Magazine’s 10 principles of effective web design with my comments; do read their article for their original view and examples.

1. Don’t make users think - Simple, lay your website components out in an organized fashion and let users select what they want.

2. Don’t squander users’ patience - Users have all control, bother them with too much work, too many forms to fill (specially if you give them no incentive before they start) and they will leave.

3. Manage to focus user’s attention - Call attention to those parts of the website that are important, but don’t do over do it so you don’t undermine the other parts of the website. “Not all users are on the site for this month’s special.“

4. Strive for feature exposure - Guide your users on the site. Simple visual or text cues can make a huge difference.