100 likes | 213 Views
HCI. User Interfaces. Human Factors. Design for users who may (will) not be programmers Goal – make the computer transparent to the user; similar to a pencil when writing. Objectives for transparency. Understand User’s own model of what each task requires
E N D
HCI User Interfaces
Human Factors • Design for users who may (will) not be programmers • Goal – make the computer transparent to the user; similar to a pencil when writing
Objectives for transparency • Understand User’s own model of what each task requires • And, the environment in which they work • http://www.sju.edu/~jhodgson/gui/cogn.html
Wrong Paths • Forgetting the user – Do not design for what you know • Give users control – Do not control the user • Too many features at the top level – think of evolution of VCR (1985) • But make sure frequently used features are readily available
Successes • Intuitive • Use bitmaps of logos, such as Visa and MasterCard, on payment buttons • Speed and responsiveness • Avoid repainting the screen unless absolutely necessary • Have all field validations occur on a whole-screen basis instead of field-by-field basis • Mnemonics, accelerator keys, toolbar buttons (icons)
Understand People • Applications must reflect the perspectives and behaviors of the users • People learn more easily by recognition than by recall • Provide a list of data values to select from – rather rely on user memory
Messages • Information • Warning • Question • Error
Example of Reserved Words • OK • Cancel • Close • Exit • Help • Save • Save As • Undo • Copy • Cut • Paste • Mnemonic keystrokes • Shortcut keystrokes
Design for consistency • Provide visual/audible feedback • Keep text clear • Provide traceable paths • Provide keyboard support • Look and feel consistency