Microsoft see the implementation of a good user interface to be very important, and they have even published a long document available on there website describing all the things that a good user interface should include, which includes in it points like these:
- Your application does not use jargon in its user interface text. Use industry-specific or technical terms only if they are clearly understood by the user.
- Your application adjusts appropriately when the user changes the display resolution as well as for multiple-monitor configurations.
So although we have established why a good interface is important, what does a good interface actually entail?
Interfaces must help the user to understand what is actually happening on the page, when dealing with the internet, and a poorly designed interface will cause mistakes to be made. This could be a serious problem with say, internet banking. If Natwest Bank had created a system that required the user to input personal details but didn’t give any instructions then the chances are that they are going to make mistakes which could be a potential security risk.
Many people who use the internet are complete novices, and these are the people which need an interface to be very user friendly. This certainly applies when dealing with internet shopping websites. Dabs.com are soon to introduce a new website that hopefully will have better customer control panel consistency. Currently the system that is online can be quite confusing when adding new addresses and credit card detail as I found out the last time I ordered something. If I am finding it hard with years of computer experience then they really need to think about the design of consistency of there shopping interface.
Users must see the visible cause-and-effect relationship between the actions they take and the objects on the screen. This allows users to feel that they are in charge of the computer's activities, hence making the interface easy to navigate.
Anyone will tell you that mistakes are easily made. A good, reliable web interface should enable you to change anything that you have done, such as a checkout that you can go back in if you realize you have made a mistake. Another design feature that should be incorporated into an interface is a help function that aids user recognition and recovery from errors. This means no technical jargon and no error code problems, just simple instructions about how to fix the problem.
Last but no means least the interface should be attractive to look at, every visual element that appears on the screen potentially competes for the user's attention. It is important to provide an environment that is pleasant to work in and contributes to the user's understanding of the information presented. If all these items are contemplated during the design phase then your final product should be a well constructed user interface.
