AJAX is short for Asynchronous Javascript And XML. The most popular thing about AJAX (often rendered "Ajax") is its ability to create near seamless, no-waiting applications. One of the best things about Web 2.0 technologies is the ability to use AJAX to cut the waiting time to zero when it comes to loading features, maps or other content. AJAX combines XHTML and CSS, uses something known as "asynchronous data retrieval" and Javascript to eliminate the wait. A great example of Ajax at work is Google Maps. When you drag sections of the map to look at them, they load in real time. There is no hourglass or "please wait" icon while the graphics load. That's thanks to Ajax.

AJAX is not new. It's a new way of using existing Web design technologies and is compatible with most Web browsers. To start learning Ajax to help you get freelance Web developer jobs, you'll need to have a knowledge of HTML, XHTML and Javascript. Ajax lets your Javascript communicate with the server using the XMLHttpRequest object. If that sounds like a foreign language to you right now, you need to put some study time in with the basics before you can start using Ajax to earn money as a freelance Web designer. But once you have the knowledge and skills to move forward, let Artisan help you find the perfect company for you.

The early days of the Internet – the late 1980s – lacked any user Interface Design principles. Since most Internet access was via dial-up modem, slick graphics, effective navigation, and usability engineering was non-existent. Fast forward to today and all freelance Usability Designer tips include user-centered design as a critical – sometimes the most important – component of website architecture.

Just as brick and mortar businesses attempt to make it easy and pleasant for customers to buy – using attractive locations and reasonable prices – e-commerce sellers desire the same mix. Usability experts and Interface Design professionals integrate pleasing aesthetics and information organization to make the user-friendly buying process enjoyable and simple. The most successful user Interface Design tips stress these features. Consequently, the most successful usability consultants market themselves based on these principles.

By understanding the audience and employing usability testing procedures, you can enhance your freelance career by stressing your process to create an effective user-centered design that maximizes revenue and brand loyalty for your clients. You can emphasize that you employ graphic design with taste and minimal clutter, while using consistent navigation that allows users to get to information in three clicks or less.

An experienced usability professional understands the criticality of employing usability testing procedures to optimize their interface design. Less experienced, although possibly technically superior, Information Architects and Interface Designers sometimes overlook the importance of testing to high level performance on a usability job. Here is why experienced usability experts include user testing as part of their process.

First, for a moment, think about the wide variety of needs of companies and websites. A Government site desires a user-centered design, but lacking a profit motive, seldom needs the best of the best when hiring usability specialists. Contrast this position with a large e-commerce company, like Amazon.com. These companies need to maximize user Interface Design principles to offer a totally user-friendly experience for customers to enjoy the most revenue possible.

Usability experts, who incorporate effective testing into their design process, usually refine their architecture to produce websites that embody the mantra, “Don’t Make Me Think Too Much”, espoused in his book of the same name by usability expert, Steve Krug. Usability testing procedures can achieve the ultimate goals of users: Simplicity, consistency, and conventionality of site navigation and information retrieval.