Whether an interface has been designed for a digital music player or the weapons control system for a fighter aircraft, usability matters. If interface mechanisms have been well designed, the user glides through the interaction using a smooth rhythm that allows work to be accomplished effortlessly. But if the interface is poorly conceived, the user moves in fits and starts, and the end result is frustration and poor work efficiency. Chapter 11 provides knowledge of user interface design. | Chapter 11 User Interface Design Slide Set to accompany Software Engineering: A Practitioner’s Approach, 7/e by Roger S. Pressman Slides copyright © 1996, 2001, 2005, 2009 by Roger S. Pressman For non-profit educational use only May be reproduced ONLY for student use at the university level when used in conjunction with Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach, 7/e. Any other reproduction or use is prohibited without the express written permission of the author. All copyright information MUST appear if these slides are posted on a website for student use. Interface Design Easy to use? Easy to understand? Easy to learn? Interface Design lack of consistency too much memorization no guidance / help no context sensitivity poor response Arcane/unfriendly Typical Design Errors Golden Rules Place the user in control Reduce the user’s memory load Make the interface consistent Place the User in Control Define interaction modes in a way that does not force a user into . | Chapter 11 User Interface Design Slide Set to accompany Software Engineering: A Practitioner’s Approach, 7/e by Roger S. Pressman Slides copyright © 1996, 2001, 2005, 2009 by Roger S. Pressman For non-profit educational use only May be reproduced ONLY for student use at the university level when used in conjunction with Software Engineering: A Practitioner's Approach, 7/e. Any other reproduction or use is prohibited without the express written permission of the author. All copyright information MUST appear if these slides are posted on a website for student use. Interface Design Easy to use? Easy to understand? Easy to learn? Interface Design lack of consistency too much memorization no guidance / help no context sensitivity poor response Arcane/unfriendly Typical Design Errors Golden Rules Place the user in control Reduce the user’s memory load Make the interface consistent Place the User in 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 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 Allow the user to put the current task into a meaningful context. Maintain consistency across a family of applications. If past interactive models have created user expectations, do not make changes unless there is a compelling reason to do so. User Interface Design Models User model — a profile of all end users of the system Design model — a design realization of the
