Which practice helps ensure the usability of a website for its users?

A consistent layout and navigation on a website is crucial for usability because it creates a familiar environment for users, allowing them to easily find information and navigate through the site. When users encounter consistent design elements, such as menus, button placements, and overall structure, they can utilize their previous experiences on the site to navigate more efficiently. This consistency minimizes confusion and helps users achieve their goals with less cognitive effort.

In contrast, including numerous hyperlinks might overwhelm users or lead them to untargeted areas of the website. While hyperlinks are important for connecting related information, their excessive presence can detract from user experience if not managed properly. Using excessive multimedia can also hinder usability, as it may slow down loading times or distract users from the main content. Making content less accessible directly contradicts the principle of usability, as it restricts access to information and alienates certain user groups. Therefore, sticking to a consistent layout and navigation is the most effective practice for ensuring usability on a website.