User Interface Design Golden Rules

Types of User Interface

Command Line Interface: The Command Line Interface provides a command prompt, where the user types the command and feeds it to the system. The user needs to remember the syntax of the command and its use. Graphical User Interface: Graphical User Interface provides a simple interactive interface to interact with the system. GUI can be a combination of both hardware and software. Using GUI, the user interprets the software....

User Interface Design Process

User Interface Design Process...

User Interface Design Golden Rules

The following are the golden rules stated by Theo Mandel that must be followed during the design of the interface. Place the user in control:...

Reduce the User’s Memory Load

Reduce demand on short-term memory: When users are involved in some complex tasks the demand on short-term memory is significant. So the interface should be designed in such a way to reduce the remembering of previously done actions, given inputs and results. Establish meaningful defaults: Always an initial set of defaults should be provided to the average user, if a user needs to add some new features then he should be able to add the required features. Define shortcuts that are intuitive: Mnemonics should be used by the user. Mnemonics means the keyboard shortcuts to do some action on the screen. The visual layout of the interface should be based on a real-world metaphor: Anything you represent on a screen if it is a metaphor for a real-world entity then users would easily understand. Disclose information in a progressive fashion: The interface should be organized hierarchically i.e., on the main screen the information about the task, an object or some behavior should be presented first at a high level of abstraction. More detail should be presented after the user indicates interest with a mouse pick....

Make the Interface Consistent

Allow the user to put the current task into a meaningful context: Many interfaces have dozens of screens. So it is important to provide indicators consistently so that the user know about the doing work. The user should also know from which page has navigated to the current page and from the current page where it can navigate. Maintain consistency across a family of applications: in The development of some set of applications all should follow and implement the same design, rules so that consistency is maintained among applications. If past interactive models have created user expectations do not make changes unless there is a compelling reason....

Key Principles for Designing User Interfaces

User-centered design: User interface design should be focused on the needs and preferences of the user. This involves understanding the user’s goals, tasks, and context of use, and designing interfaces that meet their needs and expectations. Consistency: Consistency is important in user interface design, as it helps users to understand and learn how to use an application. Consistent design elements such as icons, color schemes, and navigation menus should be used throughout the application. Simplicity: User interfaces should be designed to be simple and easy to use, with clear and concise language and intuitive navigation. Users should be able to accomplish their tasks without being overwhelmed by unnecessary complexity. Feedback: Feedback is significant in user interface design, as it helps users to understand the results of their actions and confirms that they are making progress towards their goals. Feedback can take the form of visual cues, messages, or sounds. Accessibility: User interfaces should be designed to be accessible to all users, regardless of their abilities. This involves considering factors such as color contrast, font size, and assistive technologies such as screen readers. Flexibility: User interfaces should be designed to be flexible and customizable, allowing users to tailor the interface to their own preferences and needs....