Maki over at DoshDosh has spent a considerable amount of time compiling a list of 50 web usability tips, which he’s even taken the time to categorize. The post also has a list of additional references so that readers can really through themselves into the topic.

Some of the tips I found most interesting were:

1. Remove the ‘homepage‘ link on the homepage because it can increase navigational confusion. This will make the user doubt that the homepage is indeed the actual homepage.
2. Follow conventions for web design (”blue for hypertext links“) This will allow site visitors to mainly focus on your content instead of using their mental power to learn how to use your website.
3. Simplicity is Rule #1 for usability. The less features there are available in a design, the less there will be to compete for the user’s attention.
4. Try to mainly rely on typography instead of bloated designs and graphics. The goal is to enhance appearance without delaying the response time. The blandest sites can get the most page views and users.
5. Change the color of visited links. This will allow users to decide where to go next on your website. Links that don’t change color can cause navigational disorientation in users.

To read the full list click here

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I’m not quite sure when this was launched, but if you’re a Google Talk user then you can now add a Google Talk module to your Personalized Google Homepage, which allows you to chat directly to your friends without leaving the page.

I think this is such a cool feature. I used to be a big user of MSN messenger, but every since Google added Google Talk in a similar manner to Gmail I’ve found that I’ve been using Google Talk more and more.  I just love the fact that it automatically tells me if someone I email or who has emailed me is a user.

All I need now is a way to use Google Talk on my cell and I’ll be in IM heaven!

To add Google Talk Gadget to your Personalized Hompage, go to google.com/talk and click on ‘Add to your Personalized Homepage’ button.

More: TechBuzz, CyberNet

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