User Interface Design Evaluation Report
1. Introduction
For this evaluation, I selected Google Docs, a widely used web-based word processing
application. Google Docs allows users to create, edit, and collaborate on documents in
real time. Its primary users include students, professionals, and teams working on shared
documents. The interface includes features such as text formatting, commenting, version
history, and cloud-based storage.
2. Evaluation of Design Principles
1. Simplicity
Google Docs maintains a clean and minimalistic interface. The toolbar provides essential
formatting options without overwhelming the user with too many features at once.
Capture the toolbar with basic formatting options (font, size, bold, italic) and highlight how
advanced features are tucked under menus
2. Consistency
Google Docs follows Google’s Material Design guidelines, ensuring consistent button
styles, icons, and color schemes across all functions.
Show the "Share" button in Google Docs and compare it with the same button in
Google Sheets/Slides to demonstrate consistency
3. Easy Reversal of Actions
Google Docs allows users to undo changes with Ctrl+Z (Cmd+Z on Mac) and provides a
Version History feature to restore previous document states.
The "Version History" option under "File" lets users revert to older versions.
4. Offer Informative Feedback
When a user makes changes, Google Docs displays a "Saving..." or "All changes saved"
status in the top-left corner, providing real-time feedback.
A green checkmark appears when changes are saved.
5. Prevent Errors
Google Docs auto-saves documents frequently, preventing data loss. It also warns users
before deleting files.
A confirmation dialog appears when attempting to permanently delete a document.
6. Seeking Universal Usability
Improvement Needed: While Google Docs supports screen readers and keyboard
shortcuts, some users with disabilities may struggle with complex formatting options.
Right click on the imported
image in DOC to see “All Text”
options
Formatting options are
imbedded inside one another.
So, its hard to find. Someone has
to guess which option to click.
Recommendation: Add more descriptive alt-text for images and improve keyboard
navigation for tables and comments.
To fix Google Docs' hard-to-find formatting options, I recommend: (1) A dynamic toolbar
showing relevant tools based on what users select, (2) Right-click menus with common
formatting options, and (3) Searchable formatting menus. These changes would make
features easier to find while keeping the interface clean.
7. Reduce Short-Term Memory Load
Google Docs keeps recently opened files easily accessible in the homepage sidebar,
reducing the need to remember file locations.
The "Recent" tab shows the last few edited documents.
8. Support Internal Locus of Control
Users can customize their workspace (e.g., hiding the toolbar, using full-screen mode)
and control sharing permissions.
The "View" menu allows users to toggle interface elements like the ruler or print layout.
9. Affordance
Buttons like "Bold" (B) and "Italic" (I) visually indicate their function, and clickable
elements have hover effects.
The "+" button in the corner clearly suggests adding a new document.
10. Discoverability
Improvement Needed: Some advanced features (e.g., add-ons, macros) are buried in
menus, making them hard to find.
Recommendation: Introduce a guided tour for new users or a "Discover Features" tooltip
system.
3. Recommendations for Improvement
• Universal Usability: Enhance accessibility by improving keyboard navigation and
adding more screen reader support.
• Discoverability: Implement an onboarding tutorial or a "What’s New" section to
highlight hidden features.
• Error Prevention: Allow users to recover unsaved changes if the browser crashes
unexpectedly.
