On this module I learned about user interface design which is also known as Human Computer Interaction (HCL) which is the study of interaction between the user and the computer. I always thought of interface design in terms of computers, but I have now realized that it also refers to many products where the user interacts with controls or displays. For example computer peripherals or audio equipment products that extensively apply user interface design.
Usability is the method of improving easy way to use during design process. Usability is very important for the survival. For example Intranet for the company, if it is not easy to navigate the site or if it takes time for the employee to find what they are looking for it will slow down their productivity. On the web site, if the customer cannot find what they are looking for they just leave the site and go to another one. (Nielsen's, 2003)
From visual perception
Human beings are highly tuned to images and visual information. When pictures and graphics are well designed they can be very appealing to us thus information can be communicated faster compared to other methods. (Hearst, 1999) I realized that when designing a new product for example a key board it is better to complying with older standards as much as possible - otherwise changes should be highlighted and explained. (Lee, 2008)
I also learned that new products need to be tested by users and receive a feedback from them so that the maker can make any corrections that need to be done before the product gets to the market place. In addition to that, I learned that when making a new product the aim is to make it user friendly, easy to learn, and marketable.
Memory
Moreover, I learned something about human information processing characteristics, how human action is structured, the nature of human communication and human physical and physiological requirements. We need to design an interface that doesn’t require the user to use their long term memory instead we need to balance the human common knowledge and the memory by using some kind of aid to ease their memory. For example: - use visual cues that are recognizable and understandable by the target audience. Consider using standard symbols like IEEE before creating your own. (Lee, 2008)
Problem solving
When designing a user interface, design it in a way that the user will be able to solve any problem they incur by providing a tool that is easily accessible “Help button” where the user will click and type their question. Example: - “When the user prints the document, and suddenly realizes that the printer is not configured to use the font, he can cancel the print job before it wastes lots of paper. The user feels safe playing with the interface.” (Lee, 2008)
Finally, I realized that users become frustrated with the application because they know what they want to do but cannot understand what the program has. For example the user initiate a command and realized that they went the wrong way or that is not what they want, they should immediately be able to reverse or cancel the procedure. (Lee, 2008)
Reference:
Hearst, M. (1999). User Interfaces and Visualization. Retrieved September 23, 2008, from Modern Information Retrieval: http://people.ischool.berkeley.edu
Lee, T. C. (2008, August 28). Experiences - A Pattern Language for User Interface Design. Retrieved September 23, 2008, from http://www.maplefish.com
Nielsen's, J. (2003, August 25). Usability in your product Development. Retrieved September 20, 2008, from Make it happen: http://www.useit.com
Usability is the method of improving easy way to use during design process. Usability is very important for the survival. For example Intranet for the company, if it is not easy to navigate the site or if it takes time for the employee to find what they are looking for it will slow down their productivity. On the web site, if the customer cannot find what they are looking for they just leave the site and go to another one. (Nielsen's, 2003)
From visual perception
Human beings are highly tuned to images and visual information. When pictures and graphics are well designed they can be very appealing to us thus information can be communicated faster compared to other methods. (Hearst, 1999) I realized that when designing a new product for example a key board it is better to complying with older standards as much as possible - otherwise changes should be highlighted and explained. (Lee, 2008)
I also learned that new products need to be tested by users and receive a feedback from them so that the maker can make any corrections that need to be done before the product gets to the market place. In addition to that, I learned that when making a new product the aim is to make it user friendly, easy to learn, and marketable.
Memory
Moreover, I learned something about human information processing characteristics, how human action is structured, the nature of human communication and human physical and physiological requirements. We need to design an interface that doesn’t require the user to use their long term memory instead we need to balance the human common knowledge and the memory by using some kind of aid to ease their memory. For example: - use visual cues that are recognizable and understandable by the target audience. Consider using standard symbols like IEEE before creating your own. (Lee, 2008)
Problem solving
When designing a user interface, design it in a way that the user will be able to solve any problem they incur by providing a tool that is easily accessible “Help button” where the user will click and type their question. Example: - “When the user prints the document, and suddenly realizes that the printer is not configured to use the font, he can cancel the print job before it wastes lots of paper. The user feels safe playing with the interface.” (Lee, 2008)
Finally, I realized that users become frustrated with the application because they know what they want to do but cannot understand what the program has. For example the user initiate a command and realized that they went the wrong way or that is not what they want, they should immediately be able to reverse or cancel the procedure. (Lee, 2008)
Reference:
Hearst, M. (1999). User Interfaces and Visualization. Retrieved September 23, 2008, from Modern Information Retrieval: http://people.ischool.berkeley.edu
Lee, T. C. (2008, August 28). Experiences - A Pattern Language for User Interface Design. Retrieved September 23, 2008, from http://www.maplefish.com
Nielsen's, J. (2003, August 25). Usability in your product Development. Retrieved September 20, 2008, from Make it happen: http://www.useit.com
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