Software Engineering (2160701)

Place the User in Control

• During a requirements-gathering session for a major new information system, a key user was asked about.
• Following are the design principles that allow the user to maintain control:
  • Define interaction modes in a way that does not force a user into unnecessary or undesired actions.
  • Provide for flexible interaction.
  • Allow user interaction to be interruptible and undoable.
  • Streamline interaction as skill levels advance and allow the interaction to be customized.
  • Hide technical internals from the casual user.
  • Design for direct interaction with objects that appear on the screen.

Reduce the User’s Memory Load

• The more a user has to remember, the more error-prone the interaction with the system will be.
• Following are the design principles that enable an interface to reduce the user’s memory load:
  • Reduce demand on short-term memory.
  • Establish meaningful defaults.
  • Define shortcuts that are intuitive.
  • The visual layout of the interface should be based on a real-world metaphor.
  • Disclose information in a progressive fashion.

Make the Interface Consistent

• The interface should present and acquire information in a consistent fashion.
• Following are the design principles that help make the interface consistent:
  • Maintain consistency across a family of applications.
  • If past interactive models have created user expectations, do not make changes unless there is a compelling (convincing) reason to do so.