Often the web is used for applications, and not just information
display. The idea behind User Interface design is taking the users
point of view in design. The user's needs are most important in
how the data is presented. For this to happen, usability studies
must take place with the actual end users. Examples include a simple
form that you might enter your address and credit card information,
to a full-blown application such as a renewal of service. In the
first example, getting the correct needed information and order,
and laying the form out cleanly is fairly straightforward. In the
second example of a renewal of service, there are several steps
in a renewal process.
Finding out which steps must proceed others, presenting visual
cues or icons for repetitive actions, and using clear terms (not
jargon) are all important factors in user interface design. Typical
web based applications are viewed "in the field" so a
major factor is the speed of the application.
Some of the essentials of User Interface Design are as follows:
- Understand the user expectations, goals, and constraints - Using
fixed width fonts to control input text field size
- Using background colors vs. images, as applications do not have
time to wait for extensive artwork
- Multiple style sheets, based on monitor resolution
- The use of icons to represent repetitive actions
- The ability to work around back end code, such as JSP, ASP, Vignette
code - Streamlined process to complete the offer or service - Different
views based on permission and login
View
the User Interface Examples
Seeing through the users eyes is the best way to ensure good usability.
For example, when doing a usability test, we look for:
1. What navigation path is followed, where does the user go?
2. Is anything distracting, or broken?
3. What if anything works well?
4. Where does your eye go on a page, does this change if you are
"looking for something"
5. Is the interface consistent
6. Any effective use of color or icons to help navigation?
7. Observe any thoughts and behaviors
Some other User Interface techniques that FrontEndTech utilize include:
market research, focus groups, questionnaires, interviews, heuristic
evaluation, usability testing, and observation. Methods include:
surveys, usage analysis, etc.
Factors of UI include: Operating Systems, Browsers, Monitor resolution,
etc.
Good UI design is task / profile oriented, and conforms to a three
click guideline. Sitewide context at all times, navigation controls
and a consistent menu system.
Problems include: Plugins, frames, download speed, scrolling concerns,
readability, contrast, etc.
Rules to good testing: Make sure the tester fits the profile of
the sites target audience. Do not help, or assist the tester, ask
them to think aloud while navigating with a task at hand. A typical
task might be find this information within the site, then watch
how they attempt to solve a need within the site. Video recording
is an essential part of good testing, to be able to exactly return
to the test data.
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