What is usability in the context of product design?

Usability in product design refers to how effectively and efficiently users can achieve their goals with a product. It encompasses various factors, including how intuitive the interface is, how easily users can navigate through features, and how quickly they can complete tasks without confusion or error. When a product is highly usable, it enables users to effectively utilize its functionalities with minimal frustration, thereby enhancing their overall experience.

This concept goes beyond just the aesthetic or visual aspects of design; while a visually appealing product can attract users, it is the usability that ultimately determines whether they can successfully interact with it. Usability also does not focus on the complexity of features, as a product can have many complex features but still be unusable if the design doesn't support user understanding. Similarly, while marketability is important in reaching potential customers, it does not address how easily those customers can use the product after they acquire it. Usability is fundamentally about aligning the product's design with the needs and skills of its users, thus ensuring that the product is practical and effective for its intended audience.