Chapter 8 - User Interface Design

User Interface

Visual and interactive elements users directly interact with in a system.

System Interface

How different system components communicate and exchange data.

User Experience (UX)

Overall satisfaction and experience when using a system.

Usability

Measures how easy a system is to learn and use.

Usability Benefits

Increases usage, reduces errors, improves speed and user focus.

Navigation Mechanism

How users give instructions (e.g., buttons, menus).

Input Mechanism

How the system captures data (e.g., forms).

Output Mechanism

How the system presents information (e.g., reports).

Layout

Organizing screen areas consistently (top: navigation, middle: work, bottom: status).

Content Awareness

Helps users quickly understand information on the interface.

Field-Level Design

Use clear labels, familiar terms, and defined formats.

Aesthetics

Balancing visual appeal and usability.

Density

Amount of information in a space; low for beginners, high for experts.

Font Rules

Use one font, max two sizes; serif for print, sans serif for screens.

Color Usage

Use for emphasis and clarity, not decoration; ensure high contrast.

Usage Level Design

Systems should support both beginner and experienced users.

Consistency

Uniform design and behavior across the system.

Minimize User Effort

Allow tasks to be completed quickly (e.g., 3-click rule).

Personas

Fictional users representing target user groups.

Use Case Scenario

Step-by-step description of how users perform tasks.

Interface Structure Design

Defines interface components and how they interact.

Interface Structure Diagram (ISD)

Shows how screens and navigation are connected.

Site Map

Displays structure and hierarchy of system content.

Standards

Shared design elements across all screens.

Interface Metaphor

Real-world concept used to help users understand the system.

Interface Objects

Elements like data and entities in the interface.

Interface Actions

Commands users perform; should be consistent.

Interface Icons

Small images representing actions or information.

Interface Template

Overall layout including colors, fonts, and structure.

Prototype

Mock-up of the system for testing design ideas.

Wireframe

Focuses on layout and function, not appearance.

Storyboard

Sketches showing screen flow.

HTML Prototype

Interactive web-based prototype.

Language Prototype

Built using actual programming tools; most realistic.

Heuristic Evaluation

Experts review interface using design principles.

Walkthrough Evaluation

Users review prototype and give feedback.

Interactive Evaluation

Users test prototype and report issues.

Formal Usability Testing

Controlled testing with real users and recorded actions.

Navigation Design

Enables movement through system and task execution.

Prevent Mistakes

Use clear labels, limit choices, confirm critical actions.

Error Recovery

Make it easy to fix mistakes.

Grammar Order

Object-action or action-object consistency in commands.

Menu Design

Use broad and shallow menus (max 8 items, 2 clicks).

Menu Bar

Always visible menu at top.

Drop-Down Menu

Expands downward temporarily.

Pop-Up Menu

Appears on screen and disappears after use.

Tab Menu

Multi-page menu with tabs.

Toolbar

Persistent menu of buttons.

Image Map

Clickable areas within an image.

System Messages

Feedback given to users about system status.

Error Message

Indicates something went wrong.

Confirmation Message

Asks user to confirm an action.

Acknowledgment Message

Confirms action completion.

Delay Message

Indicates system is processing.

Help Message

Provides assistance or instructions.

Input Design

Designing how data is entered into the system.

Online Processing

Data processed immediately in real time.

Batch Processing

Data collected and processed later.

Source Data Automation

Capturing data electronically at origin.

Barcode Reader

Scans product data automatically.

OCR

Reads printed text into digital form.

Magnetic Stripe Reader

Reads card data from stripe.

RFID

Uses chips to transmit data wirelessly.

Text Box Control

Field for entering text data.

Check Box

Allows multiple selections.

Radio Button

Allows only one selection.

Drop-Down List

Shows options when clicked.

Combo Box

Allows typing and selecting options.

Input Validation

Ensures data accuracy (edit checks).

Completeness Check

Ensures all required fields are filled.

Format Check

Ensures correct data format.

Range Check

Ensures values are within limits.

Check Digit

Validates numeric codes.

Consistency Check

Ensures data combinations are logical.

Database Check

Compares input with stored data.

Output Design

Designing how information is presented.

Detail Report

Shows complete detailed data.

Summary Report

Shows summarized data.

Turnaround Document

Output reused as input.

Real-Time Report

Provides up-to-date information instantly.

Batch Report

Provides historical or delayed information.

Information Load

Present only necessary information clearly.

Bias in Output

Ordering or presentation may influence interpretation.