Design of User and System
Interfaces
Overview of Concepts and Practices
in Interface Design
Introduction
• This unit provides guidelines for designing
user interface software in six functional areas:
data entry, data display, sequence control,
user guidance, data transmission, and data
protection. These guidelines aim to coordinate
individual design contributions and improve
decision-making.
Objectives
• By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
• - Explain the concept of User Interface Design.
• - Understand the User-System Interface.
• - Know the significance of the User Interface.
• - Explain the function of User Interface
Software.
• - Describe the interaction design phases.
• - Understand the concept of Formative
Evaluation.
User Interface Design of
Information Systems
• - Effective design ensures smooth interaction
with computers for task accomplishment.
• - Focuses on human factors like ability,
training, and job experience.
• - Includes design aspects affecting user
performance, such as software and hardware
considerations.
User-System Interface
• - Encompasses all design aspects influencing
system use.
• - Focuses on software features like program
logic over hardware.
• - Includes environmental factors like lighting,
noise, and workstation design.
• - Encourages holistic design across all relevant
factors.
User Interface Software
• - Determines functional arrangements and
relationships among elements.
• - Defines sequences of actions and operator
feedback.
• - Involves both system developers and users
for effective design.
• - Ensures alignment with operational
requirements and usability.
Significance of the User Interface
• - Critical for system performance and user
satisfaction.
• - Poor design results in errors, inefficiencies,
and user complaints.
• - Enhanced designs improve speed, reduce
errors, and ensure positive user experiences.
Interaction Design Phases
• - Phases include specification, development,
and testing.
• - Activities:
• * Metaphor and Visualization Design.
• * Media Design.
• * Dialogue Design.
• * Presentation Design.
• * Formative Evaluation.
Metaphor and Visualization Design
• - Develops mental models for users.
• - Uses analogies like shopping carts (e-
commerce) or light bulbs (help features).
• - Aims to simplify user understanding of
complex systems.
Media and Dialogue Design
• - Media Design: Selects appropriate media
(text, images, video, sound).
• - Dialogue Design: Structures user interactions
through menus, forms, and natural language
interfaces.
Presentation Design
• - Ensures visibility and accessibility of
information.
• - Follows principles:
• * Maximize visibility.
• * Minimize search time.
• * Avoid memory overload.
• - Focuses user attention on key data.
Formative Evaluation
• - Iteratively refines designs by identifying
defects.
• - Conducted throughout the development life
cycle.
• - Informs final design decisions for improved
usability.
Summary
• - User-system interfaces encompass all aspects
influencing system use.
• - Effective interaction design involves phases
like metaphor, media, and dialogue design.
• - Formative evaluations ensure usability and
performance improvements.
Tutor Marked Assignment
• 1. Define the User-System Interface.
• 2. Explain the significance of User Interface
Design.
• 3. Describe the interaction design phases.
• 4. What is the role of Formative Evaluation in
design?
• 5. Discuss the implications of poor user
interface design.
