User Interaction on the web is a critical area of study. Sometimes called UI, Usability and a number of other things this book is probably a good read for those working on web sites (not so focused on web applications). Back to the User (Buy it at Amazon.com) discusses the effects certain design patterns have on web surfers, how to conduct test, how not to conduct test and a slew of other useful things to help you design, layout and publish great web pages.

This book talks about things that would be difficult for me to implement as a one-man-show, but if I get a chance to work with a larger client this may be a possibility. If you’re in charge of a larger web site with a budget that allows it, do some user testing… but not until you’ve read this book.