140 likes | 252 Views
Interface Standards International User Interfaces. Chapters 8 & 9. Consistency. Between 25 – 50% of training can be reduced if interfaces are consistent. Consistency. Benefits Ease of learning Ease of use Lower training time Fewer errors because users can predict what a system will do
E N D
Interface StandardsInternational User Interfaces Chapters 8 & 9
Consistency • Between 25 – 50% of training can be reduced if interfaces are consistent
Consistency • Benefits • Ease of learning • Ease of use • Lower training time • Fewer errors because users can predict what a system will do • All these items mean: fewer user frustrations and increased user satisfaction
Interface Standards • Benefits: • Reduced requirements • Supporting software will be easier • And, if standards are used by developers, there should be an increase in usability • But just using standards do not mean that interfaces will be more usability
Dangers --- oh no! • There “may” be a conflict between taking the time required to develop a good common user interface versus the pressure to get the first product out the door. • Solution: make sure a formal written document states the standards at the start of a new program.
Usable In-House Standards • Most developers will have to accept the in-house GUI standards
International User Interfaces • These interfaces are to be used in several countries. • Language translation and other cultures influences will present problems • Soon the majority of software produced in the US will be for the international market.
International Graphical Interfaces • Icons and color are not universal • E.g., mailboxes look different in different countries • Icons can be classifies into three categories • Resemblance icons -- physical objects • Reference icons -- represent the concept • Arbitrary icons -- by convention
International Graphical Interfaces • Only 13% recognized the Red Cross logo in Japan • Checkboxes -- see Figure 22 in book • Italic typefaces may not be appropriate in kanji. Should use shaded boxes.
Gestural Interfaces • Gestures are used in virtual reality systems. They need to be examined for international usability. • Okay???
Guidelines • Characters • Many countries have character sets beyond A-Z. Therefore, GUIs should allow for extended character sets. • Sorting – sorting special characters may be a problem. In Kanji sorting names are phonetically sorted in Goju-on order.
Guidelines • Numbers & Currency • The decimal point is a period in some countries and a comma with others. • Time • D/M/Y or D/M-Y or M/D/Y • Write out the name of the month with letters instead of giving numbers
Separate the GUI • Separate the interface from the rest of the system • Store the interface definition in a GUI (configuration) file. Or a separate part of the program.
Multilocale Interfaces • If data moves between two counties, a good multilocale interface would allow a new locale and have the interface and data change appropriately. • Sending prices $$$ • the system should not compromise (or translate) the measurement units. E.g., US dollars into the local currency