Editing Web usability (section)

==Understanding usability==
The concept of usability, particularly in the context of the internet, is most effectively understood from the perspective of the users.

[[Digital literacy]] has been growing steadily,<ref>{{Cite web |title=12 Months Of The ConnectedEconomy™ - December 2022 {{!}} PYMNTS.com |url=https://www.pymnts.com/study/12-months-of-the-connectedeconomy-consumer-digital-engagement/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=www.pymnts.com |language=en-US}}</ref> leading to a transformation in what [[Steve Krug]] highlights "how we ''really'' use the internet".<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Advanced Common Sense - Sample chapter from Don't Make Me Think |url=https://www.sensible.com/chapter.html |access-date=2019-06-08 |website=www.sensible.com}}</ref> Owing to the familiarity and frequency of internet use, users have evolved from reading websites thoroughly to scanning them quickly, often in pursuit of specific information. This shift reflects the efficiency with which users have learned to filter and identify only the information they need, delving deeper only if the initial information doesn't fully meet their requirements.

Moreover, users tend to prioritize satisfactory outcomes over optimal ones when browsing the web, a behavior known as satisficing. This is largely due to the fast-paced nature of internet use and the negligible consequences of incorrect choices, such as clicking a wrong link, which can be easily rectified with a single click of the [[Back button (web browser)|back button]]. This lack of penalty for guessing eliminates the need for users to deliberate extensively over which options to select.

As a consequence, most users are less concerned with understanding the underlying mechanics of websites as long as they can effectively navigate and utilize them. However, this behavior can lead to unanticipated thinking patterns and usage methods, which may deviate from the intended functionality of a website.