The Guru of Web Usability

In the field of standards-based web design, there is a recognized Jedi Master of Cascading Style Sheets, Eric Meyer, and then there is the proper Guru of Web Usability, Jakob Nielsen, shown here. Mr. Nielsen spoke informally at the Voices That Matter web design conference in San Francisco in October — the first of its kind put on by New Riders Press. He also presented findings from recent usability studies that employ eye-tracking cameras and software to accurately map exactly what kinds of things on a page users tend to look at most and least when they’re browsing the web.

Jakob Nielson is known for maintaining a hostile stance against applying aesthetic considerations or decoration in web design. He is also known for rigorously and consistently supporting his recommendations with careful scientific research that shows what works and what doesn’t.