1.
Good Design: Definition, Importance, and Benefits
Definition of Good Design:
Good design in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) refers to the process of creating
interfaces and systems that are user-centered, efficient, and aesthetically appealing. It focuses
on ensuring a seamless user experience by combining functionality, usability, and visual
design.
Importance of Good Design:
User-Focused: It makes the interface easy to understand, enhancing the overall
experience.
Improved Efficiency: Helps users perform tasks quickly and accurately.
Aesthetic Value: Attractive designs make users more engaged.
Increased Accessibility: It ensures inclusivity by accommodating various users,
including those with disabilities.
Cost Savings: A well-designed system reduces the need for training, support, and
maintenance.
Benefits of Good Design:
Enhances user satisfaction.
Reduces user errors and frustration.
Promotes user retention and loyalty.
Improves task efficiency and productivity.
Fosters positive user interactions and long-term use.
2. Brief History of Screen Design
1960s-1970s: Early screen designs were text-based, relying on command-line
interfaces (CLI). The focus was on functionality with minimal attention to user
experience or aesthetics.
1980s: Introduction of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) with icons, windows, and
point-and-click interaction (e.g., Apple Macintosh and early Windows versions). This
era focused on making computing more accessible to non-technical users.
1990s: Web design emerged, focusing on creating user-friendly websites. Usability
and visual design became priorities.
2000s-Present: The shift to mobile devices introduced responsive design,
emphasizing adaptable layouts for various screen sizes. Touchscreens and gestures
became common. Modern designs focus on minimalism, user experience (UX), and
accessibility.
3. Interaction Design
Makeup of Interaction Design:
Interaction design involves creating interfaces that encourage intuitive and efficient user
interaction. It includes:
User Goals: Understanding what the user needs to achieve.
System Response: The interface's reaction to user input (e.g., visual or auditory
feedback).
Consistency: Maintaining uniformity in design elements to enhance usability.
Affordances: Visual cues that suggest how to interact with a design element (e.g., a
button looks clickable).
Working Together as a Multidisciplinary Team:
Designers: UX and visual designers create the look and feel of the interface.
Developers: Engineers build the technical backend and functionality of the design.
Researchers: UX researchers gather data from user studies to inform design
decisions.
Business Analysts: Ensure that the design meets business objectives and market
needs. Collaboration across these disciplines ensures that both user and business goals
are met effectively.
4. The Human: I/O Channels, Memory, Reasoning, and Problem-Solving
I/O Channels:
Humans use input/output channels to interact with systems:
Visual: Our primary mode for receiving information (e.g., reading screens).
Auditory: Sound-based feedback (e.g., notifications, alerts).
Tactile: Physical interaction with devices (e.g., using touchscreens or mice).
Memory:
Short-term Memory: Limited capacity, stores small amounts of information for short
durations (e.g., remembering an interface's steps).
Long-term Memory: Stores larger amounts of information for extended periods,
helping users recall how to perform tasks.
Reasoning and Problem-Solving:
Humans rely on both logic and intuition when interacting with systems. Good designs
minimize cognitive load and provide assistance when users encounter difficulties (e.g.,
tooltips, error messages).
5. The Computer: Devices – Memory, Processing, and Networks
Devices:
Memory: Includes RAM (temporary memory) for current tasks and storage (hard
drives, SSDs) for long-term data retention.
Processing: The CPU (central processing unit) executes commands and processes
user inputs in real-time.
Networks: Enable communication between devices, providing access to cloud
services, data synchronization, and remote resources.
6. Interaction: Models, Frameworks, Ergonomics, Styles, and Elements
Models:
Direct Manipulation Model: Users interact directly with on-screen objects (e.g.,
dragging, resizing).
WIMP Model: Interaction through Windows, Icons, Menus, and Pointing devices
(common in traditional GUIs).
Task Models: Focus on analyzing the tasks a user must perform to achieve their
goals.
Frameworks:
Cognitive Frameworks: Used to understand how users think and make decisions
(e.g., GOMS model).
Task Analysis Frameworks: Break down tasks to better understand user interactions
and optimize the interface.
Ergonomics:
Focuses on designing systems that are physically comfortable to use, reducing strain and
fatigue. Considerations include posture, screen placement, and input devices like keyboards
or touchscreens.
Styles of Interaction:
Command-Line Interaction: Users input text commands to control the system.
Menu-Based Interaction: Users select from options presented in menus.
Form-Based Interaction: Users input data in predefined fields (e.g., web forms).
Direct Manipulation: Users interact with on-screen objects using gestures or other
inputs.
Elements of Interaction:
Feedback: Immediate response from the system to indicate that an action has been
completed (e.g., visual, auditory, or tactile).
Affordances: Design elements that suggest possible actions (e.g., a button’s
appearance).
Mapping: The relationship between controls and their effects should be intuitive
(e.g., turning a dial right to increase volume).
