Website Usability Guidelines

Follow these usability recommendations:

Background Images - Use background images sparingly and make sure they are simple, especially if they are used behind text. Background images can make text difficult to read for users of all ages.
Label Clickable Images - Ensure that all clickable images are either labeled or readily understood by the typical users. Text should accompany every clickable image.
Image Download Speed - Take the necessary step to ensure that images do not slow download times for a web page. User frustration increases as the length of downloading time increases.
Video Animation or Audio - Use video, animation, or audio only if the quality is good and they help convey the message of the merchant. Note: Some multimedia elements may take a long time to download, so it is important that they be worth the wait.
Graphics - Banner Ads - Graphics should not look like banner ads. Most users will not click a graphic that looks like a banner ad or a decoration graphic. Users don't want to get missed-directed or locked into a website they can't get out of.

Limit large graphics above the fold. Do not fill the entire first screen with one image. Large graphics above the fold suggest to the user that there is not any information below the graphic.
Clever Graphics - Don't use clever graphics. Your user may not understand your meaning and be insulted.
Limit Image Usage - Use images only when they add something to the website. If a user waits several seconds for a graphic download and finds that the image adds nothing to the website they will become frustrated and move on to your competitor's website.
Animation - Most users find animation frustrating and distracting. E-commerce websites should avoid using animation. If you must use an animation give a brief explanation to the user what they are about to view.
Use Thumbnail Images - By using thumbnails of larger images, users can decide if they want to view the larger image. Ensure that the thumbnail image is large enough so the user can identify the product.
Photographs of People - Photographs may or may not help build trust in the website. Some studies have found that in e-commerce websites photographs of people who are named does increase the creditability of the website for service and products.