For each page or state of your site, how many choices do you offer? Can this be reduced? Also, consider the sequence of decision points people encounter“can you simplify this decision path, presenting the more pressing choices first?

Multiple-choice or one-click options are easy ways for people to interact with a site. If you’re considering asking people to list things from memory, try complementing (or replacing) empty form fields with defined, random or intelligent choices that people can click on or rate.

What do you want people to focus on? Use colors, size, shapes and other design elements to create visual contrast. Subtle movements on an otherwise static page catch people’s attention. Contrast can also be felt over time (an irregular e-mail notification vs. a daily notification) or through unusual and unexpected content.

Breaking down long lists (actions, content items, menu items, bullet points) into smaller groups makes that information easier to understand and recall. In terms of learned behaviors, we mentally “chunk” the details of routine events such as getting ready in the morning or playing guitar. Understanding the mental routines people develop—on your site or elsewhere—to respond to specific situations may reveal areas for improvement.

Choose images or words suggesting a specific concept you’d like associated with an interaction. This can include everything from subtle microcopy beneath a form field to the style of photography used on a page. You can set expectations and direct what is brought into short-term memory by choosing predictable associations. Also examine what is suggested by the imagery and language already on your site.

Attractive things work better—or at least we perceive them as being easier to use. Have you evaluated how attractive your application (or site) is to your users? We are more forgiving of attractive designs and assume they are (or should be) easier to use. The curious part? A well-designed site is often a more usable site.