User Interface Design Overview

User Interface Design Model

  • User Interface (UI): Front-end application view for user interaction with software.
    • Determines command input and data display.
    • Popular UI characteristics:
    • Attractive
    • Simple to use
    • Responsive
    • Clear
    • Consistent across screens

Types of User Interface

  • Type 1: Text-Based User Interface (Command Line Interface)

    • Uses keyboard to interact with the system.
    • Commands typed in a command prompt.
    • Requires knowledge of command syntax.
    • Primarily used by technical users and programmers.

  • Type 2: Graphical User Interface (GUI)

    • Provides an interactive interface with icons, windows, and menus.
    • Easier to learn compared to command line interfaces.
    • Allows multiple interactions simultaneously.

User Interface Design Process

  1. GUI Requirement Gathering: Analyze functional and non-functional requirements.
  2. User Analysis: Understand target audience and their knowledge levels.
  3. Task Analysis: Analyze system tasks and workflows.
  4. GUI Design & Implementation: Use tools like Wavemaker, Visual Studio for designing the interface.
  5. Testing: Conduct testing by the design team and stakeholders.

User Interface Design Principles

  • User Familiarity: Use user-oriented terms (e.g., Desktop, Document).
  • Consistency: Maintain same command formats and parameters.
  • Minimal Surprise: Avoid unexpected behaviors.
  • Recoverability: Provide undo/redo functionality for common mistakes.
  • User Guidance: Offer feedback and help options during errors.

User Interface Design Golden Rules

  • Place the user in control.
  • Provide flexible interactions (keyboard, mouse, touch).
  • Descriptive messages to assist users.
  • Allow customization (e.g., shortcut keys).
  • Simplify users' memory load and maintain meaningful task performance.
  • Consistent visual interface elements across applications.

User Interface Design Issues

  • Response Time: Fast response to avoid user frustration.
  • Error Handling: Clear error messages to prevent rejection of the product.
  • Help Facilities: accessible information for user support.
  • Application Accessibility: Ensure it is easy to interact with the application.