180 likes | 197 Views
CSIS-114 Lab #4. Part Two Elements of Designing the User Interface. “Designing an object to be simple and clear takes at least twice as long as the usual method. It requires relentless pursuit of that simplicity even when obstacles appear which would seem to stand in the way of that simplicity.”
E N D
CSIS-114Lab #4 Part TwoElements of Designing the User Interface
“Designing an object to be simple and clear takes at least twice as long as the usual method. It requires relentless pursuit of that simplicity even when obstacles appear which would seem to stand in the way of that simplicity.” T. H. NelsonThe Home Computer Revolution, 1977
What is the User Interface? A means for human beings to interact with computer-based tools and messages.
What are the tools and messages? • Tools • home appliances and devices • office productivity tools • products people use while traveling between home and work.
What are the tools and messages? • Messages • Computer-supported communication • Story-telling and conversations • in groups or alone • Synchronous or Asynchronous • the other participant may be a person or a machine.
Goal of the User Interface Make the user's experience productive, efficient, pleasing, and humane.
Early computers were • usable only by people who devoted great effort to master the technology. Today user interfaces • help produce business success stories and Wall Street sensations.
Strive for Consistency Users should not have to wonder whether different words, situations, or actions mean the same thing.Follow consistent conventions.
Easy Reversal of Actions Users often select functions by mistake and need an emergency exit Interface should supportundo and redo
Universal Usability Consider the needsof diverse users • Novice to expert users • Age ranges • Disabilities How can one interface address the needs of a novice and expert user at the same time?
Move towards Completion Sequence of actions should be organized into groups with a beginning, middle and end.
Support an Internal Locusof Control The user should feel in control of the environment. The environment should NOT include: • surprising interface actions • tedious sequences of data entries • inability to obtain or difficulty in obtaining necessary information. The above items quickly build anxiety and dissatisfaction.
Offer Informative Feedback For every action, there should be some sort of system feedback.
Prevent Errors As much as possible, the system should be designed so users can’t make serious errors. How can a systembe designed to do this?(Think back to part one) The system should detect errors when made and offer simple instructions for recovery.
ReduceShort Term Memory Load Minimize the Users Memory Load • Rule of Thumb:Humans can remember 7± chunks of information at a time Keep displays simple
Becker’s Veterinarian Clinic Let’s look at the completed database again. This time we will evaluate the user interface