ITEC 4010 - L8: User Interface Design

User Interface (UI)

The part of the system through which users interact, including navigation, input, and output mechanisms.

User Experience (UX)

The holistic perception of how users feel when using a system, including usability, satisfaction, and effectiveness.

Navigation Mechanism

UI component that allows users to move through the system, such as menus, buttons, and links.

Input Mechanism

UI component that allows users to enter data, such as forms, fields, and text boxes.

Output Mechanism

UI component that presents information to users, such as reports, messages, and feedback screens.

Usability

The degree to which a system is easy to learn, easy to use, safe, efficient, effective, and satisfying.

Interaction Design (IxD)

The discipline focusing on the interaction flow between the user and the system over time.

Product Design

The process concerned with customer needs, market fit, and overall product functionality and experience.

Content Awareness

The principle that interfaces must clearly show what information is available and where the user is within the system.

Screen Layout

The structured organization of UI elements on a screen using defined areas such as navigation, content, and status.

Three-Part Layout A screen layout divided into navigation (top), main work area (middle), and status or help area (bottom).

Whitespace

The spacing between UI elements that improves readability, reduces clutter, and enhances visual organization.

Aesthetic Design

The visual style of the interface, including colors, fonts, spacing, and graphical layout.

Consistency

The use of uniform terminology, styles, layouts, and interaction patterns across the system to improve usability.

Three-Click Rule

The guideline that users should reach any information or function within three clicks or keystrokes.

Usage Level

The frequency with which users interact with a system, influencing whether design prioritizes learnability or efficiency.

Persona

A fictional profile representing a typical system user, including goals, behaviors, and characteristics.

Use Scenario

A description of how a persona uses the system to complete a task, outlining steps and interactions.

Interface Structure Diagram (ISD)

A visual map showing screens, forms, reports, and navigation flow between them.

Interface Standards

A documented set of rules for UI elements such as fonts, colors, terminology, and visual patterns.

Interface Metaphor

A familiar real-world concept used to guide UI structure and behavior, such as a shopping cart.

Interface Objects

The system elements a user interacts with, such as buttons, fields, lists, or icons.

Interface Actions

Operations that users perform on interface objects, such as clicking, dragging, entering text, or selecting.

Wireframe

A simplified sketch showing the structure and layout of a screen without detailed visuals.

Mockup

A higher-fidelity visual representation of a screen showing colors, fonts, and design elements.

Prototype

An interactive or semi-interactive draft of the UI used for testing behavior and usability before full development.

Evaluation

The process of reviewing and assessing UI design through user feedback, testing, and refinement.

Usability Testing

A method where users interact with the prototype or system while designers observe and identify improvements.

Accessibility

The design focus ensuring systems are usable by people with varying abilities, including color-blindness or mobility issues.

Learnability

The ease with which new users can understand and begin using the system effectively.

Efficiency

The speed and ease with which frequent users can complete tasks within the system.

Feedback Messages

Information returned to the user from the system to confirm actions, errors, or required steps.

Input Validation

The process of checking user input for correctness, ensuring format, length, and type rules are met.

Report Design

The structure and formatting of system output reports so information is clear, readable, and actionable.

Error Prevention

UI design focus that reduces opportunities for mistakes, such as disabling unavailable actions or guiding user input.

User Effort

The amount of cognitive and physical work required from a user to operate the system effectively.

Minimalist Design

A UI approach emphasizing simplicity, reduced clutter, and clean visuals for easier comprehension.

Field Formatting

Visual cues that show expected input format, such as date patterns or placeholder text.

Interface Flow

The logical sequence of screens or interactions a user follows to complete a task.

High-Frequency User Tools

Shortcuts, widgets, or optimized paths designed for users who perform tasks frequently.

Low-Frequency User Aids

Tooltips, instructions, and guided workflows designed for infrequent or novice users.