- User interface design creates an effective communication medium between a human and a computer
- Following a set of interface design principles, design identifies interface objects and actions and then creates a screen layout that forms the basis for a user interface prototype
Design Rules for User Interface
(1) Place the User in Control During a requirements-gathering session for a major new information system, a key user was asked about Following are the design principles that allow the user to maintain control:
- Define interaction modes in a way that does not force a user into unnecessary or undesired actions.
- Provide for flexible interaction
- Allow user interaction to be interruptible and undoable
- Streamline interaction as skill levels advance and allow the interaction to be customized
- Hide technical internals from the casual user
- Design for direct interaction with objects that appear on the screen.
(2) Reduce the User’s Memory Load The more a user has to remember, the more error-prone the interaction with the system will be. Following are the design principles that enable an interface to reduce the user’s memory load:
- Reduce demand on short-term memory.
- Establish meaningful defaults.
- Define shortcuts that are intuitive
- The visual layout of the interface should be based on a real-world metaphor
- Disclose information in a progressive fashion
(3) Make the Interface Consistent The interface should present and acquire information in a consistent fashion. Following are the design principles that help make the interface consistent:
- Allow the user to put the current task into a meaningful context
- Maintain consistency across a family of applications
- If past interactive models have created user expectations, do not make changes unless there is a compelling reason to do so