We are
easily frustrated when dealing with interfaces. Things get even tougher if we
need to interface with a machine while others watch out of the corner of their
eye—or while waiting behind us. Sometimes it is a good way to strike up a
desperate conversation, perhaps proving people are generally kind.
Fundamentally, interface design requires discerning
acceptable simplification. However,
there is a limit on how much you can simplify a design—and you can never win— oversimplification
irritates power users.
UX design
“commandments” change every year as they strive to structure ideal approaches
to human machine interfaces. The meaning of UX and the legion of other
"U" acronyms also changes....
Designing
interactions should pursue two categories of concerns: 1) simplify and 2)
assist user.
1.
Simplify
Keep designs
consistent and minimalistic. Encourage familiarity by standardizing formats in
graphics and text. Avoid unnecessary features and functions. Break complex
tasks into manageable sub-tasks.
2.
Assist User
Allow
perception to drive prediction. Map the design so actions and responses are
connected. Disable nonrelevant functions. Use motion to show where screens and
information go. Relate to physical world. Remember things for the user, e.g.
autofill. Detect and anticipate errors. Spell checker has been a sweet crutch
for many of us.
Ok, I guess
these are a bunch of “commandments” jammed into two….
Here are examples of human-machine interface challenges from
the non-digital world.
Washington DC Metro: Scary and confusing. Need tourist mode.
Cricut Cutting Machine: Manageable and sufficient