Abstract: The user interface is arguably the most important element of a computer-based system or product. If the interface is poorly designed, the user’s ability to tap the computational power of an application may be severely hindered. In fact, a weak interface may cause an otherwise well-designed and solidly implemented application to fail. Three important principles guide the design of effective user interfaces: (1) place the user in control, (2) reduce the user’s memory load, and (3) make the interface consistent. To achieve an interface that abides by these principles, an organized design process must be conducted. User interface design begins with the identification of user, task, and environmental requirements. Task analysis is a design activity that defines user tasks and actions using either an elaborative or object-oriented approach. Once tasks have been identified, user scenarios are created and analyzed to define a set of interface objects and actions. This provides a basis for the creation of screen layout that depicts graphical design and placement of icons, definition of descriptive screen text, specification and titling for windows, and specification of major and minor menu items. Design issues such as response time, command and action structure, error handling, and help facilities are considered as the design model is refined. A variety of implementation tools are used to build a prototype for evaluation by the user. The user interface is the window into the software. In many cases, the interface molds a user’s perception of the quality of the system. If the “window” is smudged, wavy, or broken, the user may reject an otherwise powerful computer-based system.
Keywords: The Golden Rules, User Interface Design, Task Analysis and Modeling, Interface Design Activities, Implementation Tools, Design Evaluation.
Title: USER INTERFACE DESIGN
Author: S.Sridevi
International Journal of Computer Science and Information Technology Research
ISSN 2348-120X (online), ISSN 2348-1196 (print)
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