Best Practices & Principles for GUI design [closed]









up vote
62
down vote

favorite
74












What is your best practical user-friendly user-interface design or principle?



Please submit those practices that you find actually makes things really useful - no matter what - if it works for your users, share it!




Summary/Collation



Principles



  1. KISS.

  2. Be clear and specific in what an option will achieve: for example, use verbs that indicate the action that will follow on a choice (see: Impl. 1).

  3. Use obvious default actions appropriate to what the user needs/wants to achieve.

  4. Fit the appearance and behavior of the UI to the environment/process/audience: stand-alone application, web-page, portable, scientific analysis, flash-game, professionals/children, ...

  5. Reduce the learning curve of a new user.

  6. Rather than disabling or hiding options, consider giving a helpful message where the user can have alternatives, but only where those alternatives exist. If no alternatives are available, its better to disable the option - which visually then states that the option is not available - do not hide the unavailable options, rather explain in a mouse-over popup why it is disabled.

  7. Stay consistent and conform to practices, and placement of controls, as is implemented in widely-used successful applications.

  8. Lead the expectations of the user and let your program behave according to those expectations.

  9. Stick to the vocabulary and knowledge of the user and do not use programmer/implementation terminology.

  10. Follow basic design principles: contrast (obviousness), repetition (consistency), alignment (appearance), and proximity (grouping).

Implementation



  1. (See answer by paiNie) "Try to use verbs in your dialog boxes."

  2. Allow/implement undo and redo.

References



  1. Windows Vista User Experience Guidelines [http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa511258.aspx]

  2. Dutch websites - "Drempelvrij" guidelines [http://www.drempelvrij.nl/richtlijnen]

  3. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 1.0) [http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/]

  4. Consistence [http://www.amazon.com/Design-Everyday-Things-Donald-Norman/dp/0385267746]

  5. Don't make me Think [http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Me-Think-Usability/dp/0321344758/ref=pdbbssr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221726383&sr=8-1]

  6. Be powerful and simple [http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa511332.aspx]

  7. Gestalt design laws [http://www.squidoo.com/gestaltlaws]









share|improve this question















closed as primarily opinion-based by Stephen Kennedy, Machavity, Makyen, TylerH, EJoshuaS Nov 11 at 1:18


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.














  • Related question: stackoverflow.com/questions/51050/…
    – Marcio Aguiar
    Sep 18 '08 at 7:59










  • It's a rather all-encompassing question... zone in a little bit more.. I posted MVP first.. thinking you're interested in UI design alternatives.
    – Gishu
    Sep 18 '08 at 8:01










  • My aim is in the end to glean what are used in the field - not the text-book academic views, but practices that actually makes things really useful.
    – slashmais
    Sep 18 '08 at 9:31










  • Related: What are some good usability guidelines an average developer should follow?
    – Peter Mortensen
    Feb 3 '12 at 12:09














up vote
62
down vote

favorite
74












What is your best practical user-friendly user-interface design or principle?



Please submit those practices that you find actually makes things really useful - no matter what - if it works for your users, share it!




Summary/Collation



Principles



  1. KISS.

  2. Be clear and specific in what an option will achieve: for example, use verbs that indicate the action that will follow on a choice (see: Impl. 1).

  3. Use obvious default actions appropriate to what the user needs/wants to achieve.

  4. Fit the appearance and behavior of the UI to the environment/process/audience: stand-alone application, web-page, portable, scientific analysis, flash-game, professionals/children, ...

  5. Reduce the learning curve of a new user.

  6. Rather than disabling or hiding options, consider giving a helpful message where the user can have alternatives, but only where those alternatives exist. If no alternatives are available, its better to disable the option - which visually then states that the option is not available - do not hide the unavailable options, rather explain in a mouse-over popup why it is disabled.

  7. Stay consistent and conform to practices, and placement of controls, as is implemented in widely-used successful applications.

  8. Lead the expectations of the user and let your program behave according to those expectations.

  9. Stick to the vocabulary and knowledge of the user and do not use programmer/implementation terminology.

  10. Follow basic design principles: contrast (obviousness), repetition (consistency), alignment (appearance), and proximity (grouping).

Implementation



  1. (See answer by paiNie) "Try to use verbs in your dialog boxes."

  2. Allow/implement undo and redo.

References



  1. Windows Vista User Experience Guidelines [http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa511258.aspx]

  2. Dutch websites - "Drempelvrij" guidelines [http://www.drempelvrij.nl/richtlijnen]

  3. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 1.0) [http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/]

  4. Consistence [http://www.amazon.com/Design-Everyday-Things-Donald-Norman/dp/0385267746]

  5. Don't make me Think [http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Me-Think-Usability/dp/0321344758/ref=pdbbssr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221726383&sr=8-1]

  6. Be powerful and simple [http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa511332.aspx]

  7. Gestalt design laws [http://www.squidoo.com/gestaltlaws]









share|improve this question















closed as primarily opinion-based by Stephen Kennedy, Machavity, Makyen, TylerH, EJoshuaS Nov 11 at 1:18


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.














  • Related question: stackoverflow.com/questions/51050/…
    – Marcio Aguiar
    Sep 18 '08 at 7:59










  • It's a rather all-encompassing question... zone in a little bit more.. I posted MVP first.. thinking you're interested in UI design alternatives.
    – Gishu
    Sep 18 '08 at 8:01










  • My aim is in the end to glean what are used in the field - not the text-book academic views, but practices that actually makes things really useful.
    – slashmais
    Sep 18 '08 at 9:31










  • Related: What are some good usability guidelines an average developer should follow?
    – Peter Mortensen
    Feb 3 '12 at 12:09












up vote
62
down vote

favorite
74









up vote
62
down vote

favorite
74






74





What is your best practical user-friendly user-interface design or principle?



Please submit those practices that you find actually makes things really useful - no matter what - if it works for your users, share it!




Summary/Collation



Principles



  1. KISS.

  2. Be clear and specific in what an option will achieve: for example, use verbs that indicate the action that will follow on a choice (see: Impl. 1).

  3. Use obvious default actions appropriate to what the user needs/wants to achieve.

  4. Fit the appearance and behavior of the UI to the environment/process/audience: stand-alone application, web-page, portable, scientific analysis, flash-game, professionals/children, ...

  5. Reduce the learning curve of a new user.

  6. Rather than disabling or hiding options, consider giving a helpful message where the user can have alternatives, but only where those alternatives exist. If no alternatives are available, its better to disable the option - which visually then states that the option is not available - do not hide the unavailable options, rather explain in a mouse-over popup why it is disabled.

  7. Stay consistent and conform to practices, and placement of controls, as is implemented in widely-used successful applications.

  8. Lead the expectations of the user and let your program behave according to those expectations.

  9. Stick to the vocabulary and knowledge of the user and do not use programmer/implementation terminology.

  10. Follow basic design principles: contrast (obviousness), repetition (consistency), alignment (appearance), and proximity (grouping).

Implementation



  1. (See answer by paiNie) "Try to use verbs in your dialog boxes."

  2. Allow/implement undo and redo.

References



  1. Windows Vista User Experience Guidelines [http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa511258.aspx]

  2. Dutch websites - "Drempelvrij" guidelines [http://www.drempelvrij.nl/richtlijnen]

  3. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 1.0) [http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/]

  4. Consistence [http://www.amazon.com/Design-Everyday-Things-Donald-Norman/dp/0385267746]

  5. Don't make me Think [http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Me-Think-Usability/dp/0321344758/ref=pdbbssr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221726383&sr=8-1]

  6. Be powerful and simple [http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa511332.aspx]

  7. Gestalt design laws [http://www.squidoo.com/gestaltlaws]









share|improve this question















What is your best practical user-friendly user-interface design or principle?



Please submit those practices that you find actually makes things really useful - no matter what - if it works for your users, share it!




Summary/Collation



Principles



  1. KISS.

  2. Be clear and specific in what an option will achieve: for example, use verbs that indicate the action that will follow on a choice (see: Impl. 1).

  3. Use obvious default actions appropriate to what the user needs/wants to achieve.

  4. Fit the appearance and behavior of the UI to the environment/process/audience: stand-alone application, web-page, portable, scientific analysis, flash-game, professionals/children, ...

  5. Reduce the learning curve of a new user.

  6. Rather than disabling or hiding options, consider giving a helpful message where the user can have alternatives, but only where those alternatives exist. If no alternatives are available, its better to disable the option - which visually then states that the option is not available - do not hide the unavailable options, rather explain in a mouse-over popup why it is disabled.

  7. Stay consistent and conform to practices, and placement of controls, as is implemented in widely-used successful applications.

  8. Lead the expectations of the user and let your program behave according to those expectations.

  9. Stick to the vocabulary and knowledge of the user and do not use programmer/implementation terminology.

  10. Follow basic design principles: contrast (obviousness), repetition (consistency), alignment (appearance), and proximity (grouping).

Implementation



  1. (See answer by paiNie) "Try to use verbs in your dialog boxes."

  2. Allow/implement undo and redo.

References



  1. Windows Vista User Experience Guidelines [http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa511258.aspx]

  2. Dutch websites - "Drempelvrij" guidelines [http://www.drempelvrij.nl/richtlijnen]

  3. Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 1.0) [http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG10/]

  4. Consistence [http://www.amazon.com/Design-Everyday-Things-Donald-Norman/dp/0385267746]

  5. Don't make me Think [http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Make-Me-Think-Usability/dp/0321344758/ref=pdbbssr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221726383&sr=8-1]

  6. Be powerful and simple [http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa511332.aspx]

  7. Gestalt design laws [http://www.squidoo.com/gestaltlaws]






user-interface design principles






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Nov 10 at 19:10


























community wiki





15 revs, 6 users 56%
slashmais





closed as primarily opinion-based by Stephen Kennedy, Machavity, Makyen, TylerH, EJoshuaS Nov 11 at 1:18


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.






closed as primarily opinion-based by Stephen Kennedy, Machavity, Makyen, TylerH, EJoshuaS Nov 11 at 1:18


Many good questions generate some degree of opinion based on expert experience, but answers to this question will tend to be almost entirely based on opinions, rather than facts, references, or specific expertise. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.













  • Related question: stackoverflow.com/questions/51050/…
    – Marcio Aguiar
    Sep 18 '08 at 7:59










  • It's a rather all-encompassing question... zone in a little bit more.. I posted MVP first.. thinking you're interested in UI design alternatives.
    – Gishu
    Sep 18 '08 at 8:01










  • My aim is in the end to glean what are used in the field - not the text-book academic views, but practices that actually makes things really useful.
    – slashmais
    Sep 18 '08 at 9:31










  • Related: What are some good usability guidelines an average developer should follow?
    – Peter Mortensen
    Feb 3 '12 at 12:09
















  • Related question: stackoverflow.com/questions/51050/…
    – Marcio Aguiar
    Sep 18 '08 at 7:59










  • It's a rather all-encompassing question... zone in a little bit more.. I posted MVP first.. thinking you're interested in UI design alternatives.
    – Gishu
    Sep 18 '08 at 8:01










  • My aim is in the end to glean what are used in the field - not the text-book academic views, but practices that actually makes things really useful.
    – slashmais
    Sep 18 '08 at 9:31










  • Related: What are some good usability guidelines an average developer should follow?
    – Peter Mortensen
    Feb 3 '12 at 12:09















Related question: stackoverflow.com/questions/51050/…
– Marcio Aguiar
Sep 18 '08 at 7:59




Related question: stackoverflow.com/questions/51050/…
– Marcio Aguiar
Sep 18 '08 at 7:59












It's a rather all-encompassing question... zone in a little bit more.. I posted MVP first.. thinking you're interested in UI design alternatives.
– Gishu
Sep 18 '08 at 8:01




It's a rather all-encompassing question... zone in a little bit more.. I posted MVP first.. thinking you're interested in UI design alternatives.
– Gishu
Sep 18 '08 at 8:01












My aim is in the end to glean what are used in the field - not the text-book academic views, but practices that actually makes things really useful.
– slashmais
Sep 18 '08 at 9:31




My aim is in the end to glean what are used in the field - not the text-book academic views, but practices that actually makes things really useful.
– slashmais
Sep 18 '08 at 9:31












Related: What are some good usability guidelines an average developer should follow?
– Peter Mortensen
Feb 3 '12 at 12:09




Related: What are some good usability guidelines an average developer should follow?
– Peter Mortensen
Feb 3 '12 at 12:09












19 Answers
19






active

oldest

votes

















up vote
53
down vote



accepted










Try to use verbs in your dialog boxes.



It means use



alt text



instead of



alt text






share|improve this answer


















  • 15




    Actually the 2nd example is better. Users don't read anything - I repeat, they don't read.
    – lubos hasko
    Sep 19 '08 at 8:58






  • 25




    Yeah u are right about ingoring text! But - users dont read title and text, they read button captions!
    – kzotin
    Sep 19 '08 at 10:05






  • 10




    Instead of 3 words on second dialog ("Save changes to") there are 22 on first one - nobody will read this. However, captions on first one are so much better!
    – ya23
    Oct 24 '08 at 12:55






  • 1




    i also find yes/no/cancel much more logical then save/cancel/no save ... i.e. yes/opposite/cancel instead of yes/cancel/opposite of yes ...
    – Rook
    Dec 10 '09 at 17:56






  • 7




    Most people just read the button text - something like Yes/No/cancel could be referring to anything, but Save/Don't Save is very clear what you are doing. It is fine to have additional text above the buttons, because if someone sees Save/Don't Save and was expecting something else (say about printing), then they will stop and read the text. You just can't expect the normal use-case to be the user reading all the text in your dialog.
    – Tim
    Dec 9 '10 at 15:24

















up vote
52
down vote













I test my GUI against my grandma.






share|improve this answer


















  • 2




    this answer made my day. :)
    – mchlfchr
    Sep 23 '13 at 9:24

















up vote
26
down vote













Follow basic design principles




  • Contrast - Make things that are different look different


  • Repetition - Repeat the same style in a screen and for other screens


  • Alignment - Line screen elements up! Yes, that includes text, images, controls and labels.


  • Proximity - Group related elements together. A set of input fields to enter an address should be grouped together and be distinct from the group of input fields to enter credit card info. This is basic Gestalt Design Laws.





share|improve this answer


















  • 2




    Robin Williams "The Non-Designer's Design Book: Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice" covers these principles in a great way! goo.gl/qoG0Q
    – Chris Hayes
    Jun 29 '11 at 23:45







  • 3




    Like the acronym. When you're finished, do you say it looks like CRAP :p ?
    – James P.
    Mar 23 '13 at 5:35






  • 1




    @Chris There's now a newer (4th, 2014) edition of the Williams book.
    – bitFlipper
    Jun 23 '16 at 0:12


















up vote
24
down vote













Never ask "Are you sure?". Just allow unlimited, reliable undo/redo.






share|improve this answer
















  • 6




    You're right, but I don't think this is realistic. Implementing a rollback often require a lot of effort.
    – Dimitri C.
    Mar 12 '10 at 8:13










  • @Dimitri C.: Not nearly as much if you build it into the design from day -1. In a text editor, for example, you could just create a hidden directory and use Mercurial/Git/whatever to keep track of potentially destructive operations. The Command Software Design Pattern is also helpful. Google Mail is a nice example: have noticed that if you delete a thread there is no dialog box? Instead, there is a small notification bar which says something like: "You just moved a thread to the trashcan. [More Information] [Undo]"
    – Jörg W Mittag
    Mar 12 '10 at 14:00

















up vote
11
down vote













Try to think about what your user wants to achieve instead of what the requirements are.



The user will enter your system and use it to achieve a goal. When you open up calc you need to make a simple fast calculation 90% of the time so that's why by default it is set to simple mode.



So don't think about what the application must do but think about the user which will be doing it, probably bored, and try to design based on what his intentions are, try to make his life easier.






share|improve this answer



























    up vote
    8
    down vote













    If you're doing anything for the web, or any front-facing software application for that matter, you really owe it to yourself to read...



    Don't make me think - Steve Krug






    share|improve this answer



























      up vote
      7
      down vote













      Breadcrumbs in webapps:

      Tell -> The -> User -> Where -> She -> Is in the system



      This is pretty hard to do in "dynamic" systems with multiple paths to the same data, but it often helps navigate the system.






      share|improve this answer
















      • 2




        Jared Spool did some user testing on this and learned that only coputer savvy people use breadcrumbs. Normal visitors don't get this concept.
        – Silviu Postavaru
        Jun 2 '09 at 9:48






      • 1




        It might be so. But a quick read on Spool's article uie.com/brainsparks/2005/09/26/value-of-breadcrumbs gives me the impression that he thinks that breadcrumbs are just a navigational tool for the user. In my opinion they're also a good "page heading". Also, Spool's article is far from scientific...
        – kosoant
        Jun 3 '09 at 6:00










      • I think these would actually be pretty good in some desktop apps too!
        – paulm
        Feb 6 '13 at 19:59

















      up vote
      6
      down vote













      I try to adapt to the environment.



      When developing for an Windows application, I use the Windows Vista User Experience Guidelines but when I'm developing an web application I use the appropriate guidelines, because I develop Dutch websites I use the "Drempelvrij" guidelines which are based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 1.0) by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).



      The reason I do this is to reduce the learning curve of a new user.






      share|improve this answer





























        up vote
        6
        down vote













        I would recommend to get a good solid understanding of GUI design by reading the book The Design of Everyday Things. Although the main printable is a comment from Joel Spolsky: When the behavior of the application differs to what the user expects to happen then you have a problem with your graphical user interface.



        The best example is, when somebody swaps around the OK and Cancel button on some web sites. The user expects the OK button to be on the left, and the Cancel button to be on the right. So in short, when the application behavior differs to what the user expects what to happen then you have a user interface design problem.



        Although, the best advice, in no matter what design or design pattern you follow, is to keep the design and conventions consistent throughout the application.






        share|improve this answer





























          up vote
          3
          down vote













          Avoid asking the user to make choices whenever you can (i.e. don't create a fork with a configuration dialog!)



          For every option and every message box, ask yourself: can I instead come up with some reasonable default behavior that



          • makes sense?

          • does not get in the user's way?

          • is easy enough to learn that it costs little to the user that I impose this on him?

          I can use my Palm handheld as an example: the settings are really minimalistic, and I'm quite happy with that. The basic applications are well designed enough that I can simply use them without feeling the need for tweaking. Ok, there are some things I can't do, and in fact I sort of had to adapt myself to the tool (instead of the opposite), but in the end this really makes my life easier.



          This website is another example: you can't configure anything, and yet I find it really nice to use.



          Reasonable defaults can be hard to figure out, and simple usability tests can provide a lot of clues to help you with that.






          share|improve this answer



























            up vote
            3
            down vote













            Show the interface to a sample of users. Ask them to perform a typical task. Watch for their mistakes. Listen to their comments. Make changes and repeat.






            share|improve this answer




















            • Make sure it's a representative sample of your customers. We use an intern for this and we have to give them special instructions to include the over 30 crowd.
              – Clay Nichols
              Nov 22 '08 at 22:27

















            up vote
            2
            down vote













            The Design of Everyday Things - Donald Norman



            A canon of design lore and the basis of many HCI courses at universities around the world. You won't design a great GUI in five minutes with a few comments from a web forum, but some principles will get your thinking pointed the right way.



            --



            MC






            share|improve this answer




















            • I would add that his Emotional Design is also very worth a read.
              – Travis
              Nov 8 '13 at 20:49

















            up vote
            2
            down vote













            When constructing error messages make the error message be
            the answers to these 3 questions (in that order):



            1. What happened?


            2. Why did it happen?


            3. What can be done about it?


            This is from "Human Interface Guidelines: The Apple Desktop
            Interface" (1987, ISBN 0-201-17753-6), but it can be used
            for any error message anywhere.
            There is an updated version for Mac OS X.
            The Microsoft page
            User Interface Messages
            says the same thing: "... in the case of an error message,
            you should include the issue, the cause, and the user action
            to correct the problem."



            Also include any information that is known by the program,
            not just some fixed string. E.g. for the "Why did it happen" part of the error message use "Raw spectrum file
            L:refDataForMascotParserTripleEncodingQ1LCMS190203_01Doub
            leArg.wiff does not exist" instead of just "File does
            not exist".



            Contrast this with the infamous error message: "An error
            happend.".






            share|improve this answer





























              up vote
              1
              down vote













              (Stolen from Joel :o) )



              Don't disable/remove options - rather give a helpful message when the user click/select it.






              share|improve this answer
















              • 1




                I also read that article, but think it works for most of the time, but not always. In some scenario you have to hide/disable menu options. Think about this: you have the Paste menupoint always visible and enabled and when you click on it, it will show a message: You have nothing to paste. :-)
                – Biri
                Sep 18 '08 at 8:03






              • 1




                One of the rare occasions where I completely disagree with Joel: Disabling menu options gives a direct feedback - 'not available now'. Save the user the action (and the disappointment) of having to click on a menu to find out. Hiding menu options is bad, though
                – Treb
                Oct 4 '08 at 7:59

















              up vote
              1
              down vote













              As my data structure professor pointed today: Give instructions on how your program works to the average user. We programmers often think we're pretty logical with our programs, but the average user probably won't know what to do.






              share|improve this answer





























                up vote
                1
                down vote













                1. Use discreet/simple animated features to create seamless transitions from one section the the other. This helps the user to create a mental map of navigation/structure.


                2. Use short (one word if possible) titles on the buttons that describe clearly the essence of the action.


                3. Use semantic zooming where possible (a good example is how zooming works on Google/Bing maps, where more information is visible when you focus on an area).


                4. Create at least two ways to navigate: Vertical and horizontal. Vertical when you navigate between different sections and horizontal when you navigate within the contents of the section or subsection.


                5. Always keep the main options nodes of your structure visible (where the size of the screen and the type of device allows it).


                6. When you go deep into the structure always keep a visible hint (i.e. such as in the form of a path) indicating where you are.


                7. Hide elements when you want the user to focus on data (such as reading an article or viewing a project). - however beware of point #5 and #4.






                share|improve this answer





























                  up vote
                  0
                  down vote













                  Be Powerful and Simple



                  Oh, and hire a designer / learn design skills. :)






                  share|improve this answer



























                    up vote
                    0
                    down vote













                    With GUIs, standards are kind of platform specific. E.g. While developing GUI in Eclipse this link provides decent guideline.






                    share|improve this answer





























                      up vote
                      0
                      down vote













                      I've read most of the above and one thing that I'm not seeing mentioned:



                      If users are meant to use the interface ONCE, showing only what they need to use if possible is great.



                      If the user interface is going to be used repeatedly by the same user, but maybe not very often, disabling controls is better than hiding them: the user interface changing and hidden features not being obvious (or remembered) by an occasional user is frustrating to the user.



                      If the user interface is going to be used VERY REGULARLY by the same user (and there is not a lot of turnover in the job i.e. not a lot of new users coming online all the time) disabling controls is absolutely helpful and the user will become accustomed to the reasons why things happen but preventing them from using controls accidentally in improper contexts appreciated and prevents errors.



                      Just my opinion, but it all goes back to understanding your user profile, not just what a single user session might entail.






                      share|improve this answer





























                        19 Answers
                        19






                        active

                        oldest

                        votes








                        19 Answers
                        19






                        active

                        oldest

                        votes









                        active

                        oldest

                        votes






                        active

                        oldest

                        votes








                        up vote
                        53
                        down vote



                        accepted










                        Try to use verbs in your dialog boxes.



                        It means use



                        alt text



                        instead of



                        alt text






                        share|improve this answer


















                        • 15




                          Actually the 2nd example is better. Users don't read anything - I repeat, they don't read.
                          – lubos hasko
                          Sep 19 '08 at 8:58






                        • 25




                          Yeah u are right about ingoring text! But - users dont read title and text, they read button captions!
                          – kzotin
                          Sep 19 '08 at 10:05






                        • 10




                          Instead of 3 words on second dialog ("Save changes to") there are 22 on first one - nobody will read this. However, captions on first one are so much better!
                          – ya23
                          Oct 24 '08 at 12:55






                        • 1




                          i also find yes/no/cancel much more logical then save/cancel/no save ... i.e. yes/opposite/cancel instead of yes/cancel/opposite of yes ...
                          – Rook
                          Dec 10 '09 at 17:56






                        • 7




                          Most people just read the button text - something like Yes/No/cancel could be referring to anything, but Save/Don't Save is very clear what you are doing. It is fine to have additional text above the buttons, because if someone sees Save/Don't Save and was expecting something else (say about printing), then they will stop and read the text. You just can't expect the normal use-case to be the user reading all the text in your dialog.
                          – Tim
                          Dec 9 '10 at 15:24














                        up vote
                        53
                        down vote



                        accepted










                        Try to use verbs in your dialog boxes.



                        It means use



                        alt text



                        instead of



                        alt text






                        share|improve this answer


















                        • 15




                          Actually the 2nd example is better. Users don't read anything - I repeat, they don't read.
                          – lubos hasko
                          Sep 19 '08 at 8:58






                        • 25




                          Yeah u are right about ingoring text! But - users dont read title and text, they read button captions!
                          – kzotin
                          Sep 19 '08 at 10:05






                        • 10




                          Instead of 3 words on second dialog ("Save changes to") there are 22 on first one - nobody will read this. However, captions on first one are so much better!
                          – ya23
                          Oct 24 '08 at 12:55






                        • 1




                          i also find yes/no/cancel much more logical then save/cancel/no save ... i.e. yes/opposite/cancel instead of yes/cancel/opposite of yes ...
                          – Rook
                          Dec 10 '09 at 17:56






                        • 7




                          Most people just read the button text - something like Yes/No/cancel could be referring to anything, but Save/Don't Save is very clear what you are doing. It is fine to have additional text above the buttons, because if someone sees Save/Don't Save and was expecting something else (say about printing), then they will stop and read the text. You just can't expect the normal use-case to be the user reading all the text in your dialog.
                          – Tim
                          Dec 9 '10 at 15:24












                        up vote
                        53
                        down vote



                        accepted







                        up vote
                        53
                        down vote



                        accepted






                        Try to use verbs in your dialog boxes.



                        It means use



                        alt text



                        instead of



                        alt text






                        share|improve this answer














                        Try to use verbs in your dialog boxes.



                        It means use



                        alt text



                        instead of



                        alt text







                        share|improve this answer














                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer








                        edited Apr 8 at 22:31









                        MattH

                        237




                        237










                        answered Sep 18 '08 at 8:15









                        kzotin

                        4,31822433




                        4,31822433







                        • 15




                          Actually the 2nd example is better. Users don't read anything - I repeat, they don't read.
                          – lubos hasko
                          Sep 19 '08 at 8:58






                        • 25




                          Yeah u are right about ingoring text! But - users dont read title and text, they read button captions!
                          – kzotin
                          Sep 19 '08 at 10:05






                        • 10




                          Instead of 3 words on second dialog ("Save changes to") there are 22 on first one - nobody will read this. However, captions on first one are so much better!
                          – ya23
                          Oct 24 '08 at 12:55






                        • 1




                          i also find yes/no/cancel much more logical then save/cancel/no save ... i.e. yes/opposite/cancel instead of yes/cancel/opposite of yes ...
                          – Rook
                          Dec 10 '09 at 17:56






                        • 7




                          Most people just read the button text - something like Yes/No/cancel could be referring to anything, but Save/Don't Save is very clear what you are doing. It is fine to have additional text above the buttons, because if someone sees Save/Don't Save and was expecting something else (say about printing), then they will stop and read the text. You just can't expect the normal use-case to be the user reading all the text in your dialog.
                          – Tim
                          Dec 9 '10 at 15:24












                        • 15




                          Actually the 2nd example is better. Users don't read anything - I repeat, they don't read.
                          – lubos hasko
                          Sep 19 '08 at 8:58






                        • 25




                          Yeah u are right about ingoring text! But - users dont read title and text, they read button captions!
                          – kzotin
                          Sep 19 '08 at 10:05






                        • 10




                          Instead of 3 words on second dialog ("Save changes to") there are 22 on first one - nobody will read this. However, captions on first one are so much better!
                          – ya23
                          Oct 24 '08 at 12:55






                        • 1




                          i also find yes/no/cancel much more logical then save/cancel/no save ... i.e. yes/opposite/cancel instead of yes/cancel/opposite of yes ...
                          – Rook
                          Dec 10 '09 at 17:56






                        • 7




                          Most people just read the button text - something like Yes/No/cancel could be referring to anything, but Save/Don't Save is very clear what you are doing. It is fine to have additional text above the buttons, because if someone sees Save/Don't Save and was expecting something else (say about printing), then they will stop and read the text. You just can't expect the normal use-case to be the user reading all the text in your dialog.
                          – Tim
                          Dec 9 '10 at 15:24







                        15




                        15




                        Actually the 2nd example is better. Users don't read anything - I repeat, they don't read.
                        – lubos hasko
                        Sep 19 '08 at 8:58




                        Actually the 2nd example is better. Users don't read anything - I repeat, they don't read.
                        – lubos hasko
                        Sep 19 '08 at 8:58




                        25




                        25




                        Yeah u are right about ingoring text! But - users dont read title and text, they read button captions!
                        – kzotin
                        Sep 19 '08 at 10:05




                        Yeah u are right about ingoring text! But - users dont read title and text, they read button captions!
                        – kzotin
                        Sep 19 '08 at 10:05




                        10




                        10




                        Instead of 3 words on second dialog ("Save changes to") there are 22 on first one - nobody will read this. However, captions on first one are so much better!
                        – ya23
                        Oct 24 '08 at 12:55




                        Instead of 3 words on second dialog ("Save changes to") there are 22 on first one - nobody will read this. However, captions on first one are so much better!
                        – ya23
                        Oct 24 '08 at 12:55




                        1




                        1




                        i also find yes/no/cancel much more logical then save/cancel/no save ... i.e. yes/opposite/cancel instead of yes/cancel/opposite of yes ...
                        – Rook
                        Dec 10 '09 at 17:56




                        i also find yes/no/cancel much more logical then save/cancel/no save ... i.e. yes/opposite/cancel instead of yes/cancel/opposite of yes ...
                        – Rook
                        Dec 10 '09 at 17:56




                        7




                        7




                        Most people just read the button text - something like Yes/No/cancel could be referring to anything, but Save/Don't Save is very clear what you are doing. It is fine to have additional text above the buttons, because if someone sees Save/Don't Save and was expecting something else (say about printing), then they will stop and read the text. You just can't expect the normal use-case to be the user reading all the text in your dialog.
                        – Tim
                        Dec 9 '10 at 15:24




                        Most people just read the button text - something like Yes/No/cancel could be referring to anything, but Save/Don't Save is very clear what you are doing. It is fine to have additional text above the buttons, because if someone sees Save/Don't Save and was expecting something else (say about printing), then they will stop and read the text. You just can't expect the normal use-case to be the user reading all the text in your dialog.
                        – Tim
                        Dec 9 '10 at 15:24












                        up vote
                        52
                        down vote













                        I test my GUI against my grandma.






                        share|improve this answer


















                        • 2




                          this answer made my day. :)
                          – mchlfchr
                          Sep 23 '13 at 9:24














                        up vote
                        52
                        down vote













                        I test my GUI against my grandma.






                        share|improve this answer


















                        • 2




                          this answer made my day. :)
                          – mchlfchr
                          Sep 23 '13 at 9:24












                        up vote
                        52
                        down vote










                        up vote
                        52
                        down vote









                        I test my GUI against my grandma.






                        share|improve this answer














                        I test my GUI against my grandma.







                        share|improve this answer














                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer








                        answered Dec 10 '09 at 17:50


























                        community wiki





                        Victor








                        • 2




                          this answer made my day. :)
                          – mchlfchr
                          Sep 23 '13 at 9:24












                        • 2




                          this answer made my day. :)
                          – mchlfchr
                          Sep 23 '13 at 9:24







                        2




                        2




                        this answer made my day. :)
                        – mchlfchr
                        Sep 23 '13 at 9:24




                        this answer made my day. :)
                        – mchlfchr
                        Sep 23 '13 at 9:24










                        up vote
                        26
                        down vote













                        Follow basic design principles




                        • Contrast - Make things that are different look different


                        • Repetition - Repeat the same style in a screen and for other screens


                        • Alignment - Line screen elements up! Yes, that includes text, images, controls and labels.


                        • Proximity - Group related elements together. A set of input fields to enter an address should be grouped together and be distinct from the group of input fields to enter credit card info. This is basic Gestalt Design Laws.





                        share|improve this answer


















                        • 2




                          Robin Williams "The Non-Designer's Design Book: Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice" covers these principles in a great way! goo.gl/qoG0Q
                          – Chris Hayes
                          Jun 29 '11 at 23:45







                        • 3




                          Like the acronym. When you're finished, do you say it looks like CRAP :p ?
                          – James P.
                          Mar 23 '13 at 5:35






                        • 1




                          @Chris There's now a newer (4th, 2014) edition of the Williams book.
                          – bitFlipper
                          Jun 23 '16 at 0:12















                        up vote
                        26
                        down vote













                        Follow basic design principles




                        • Contrast - Make things that are different look different


                        • Repetition - Repeat the same style in a screen and for other screens


                        • Alignment - Line screen elements up! Yes, that includes text, images, controls and labels.


                        • Proximity - Group related elements together. A set of input fields to enter an address should be grouped together and be distinct from the group of input fields to enter credit card info. This is basic Gestalt Design Laws.





                        share|improve this answer


















                        • 2




                          Robin Williams "The Non-Designer's Design Book: Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice" covers these principles in a great way! goo.gl/qoG0Q
                          – Chris Hayes
                          Jun 29 '11 at 23:45







                        • 3




                          Like the acronym. When you're finished, do you say it looks like CRAP :p ?
                          – James P.
                          Mar 23 '13 at 5:35






                        • 1




                          @Chris There's now a newer (4th, 2014) edition of the Williams book.
                          – bitFlipper
                          Jun 23 '16 at 0:12













                        up vote
                        26
                        down vote










                        up vote
                        26
                        down vote









                        Follow basic design principles




                        • Contrast - Make things that are different look different


                        • Repetition - Repeat the same style in a screen and for other screens


                        • Alignment - Line screen elements up! Yes, that includes text, images, controls and labels.


                        • Proximity - Group related elements together. A set of input fields to enter an address should be grouped together and be distinct from the group of input fields to enter credit card info. This is basic Gestalt Design Laws.





                        share|improve this answer














                        Follow basic design principles




                        • Contrast - Make things that are different look different


                        • Repetition - Repeat the same style in a screen and for other screens


                        • Alignment - Line screen elements up! Yes, that includes text, images, controls and labels.


                        • Proximity - Group related elements together. A set of input fields to enter an address should be grouped together and be distinct from the group of input fields to enter credit card info. This is basic Gestalt Design Laws.






                        share|improve this answer














                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer








                        edited Apr 13 '15 at 8:01

























                        answered Sep 19 '08 at 1:44









                        Craig Pickering

                        7201814




                        7201814







                        • 2




                          Robin Williams "The Non-Designer's Design Book: Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice" covers these principles in a great way! goo.gl/qoG0Q
                          – Chris Hayes
                          Jun 29 '11 at 23:45







                        • 3




                          Like the acronym. When you're finished, do you say it looks like CRAP :p ?
                          – James P.
                          Mar 23 '13 at 5:35






                        • 1




                          @Chris There's now a newer (4th, 2014) edition of the Williams book.
                          – bitFlipper
                          Jun 23 '16 at 0:12













                        • 2




                          Robin Williams "The Non-Designer's Design Book: Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice" covers these principles in a great way! goo.gl/qoG0Q
                          – Chris Hayes
                          Jun 29 '11 at 23:45







                        • 3




                          Like the acronym. When you're finished, do you say it looks like CRAP :p ?
                          – James P.
                          Mar 23 '13 at 5:35






                        • 1




                          @Chris There's now a newer (4th, 2014) edition of the Williams book.
                          – bitFlipper
                          Jun 23 '16 at 0:12








                        2




                        2




                        Robin Williams "The Non-Designer's Design Book: Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice" covers these principles in a great way! goo.gl/qoG0Q
                        – Chris Hayes
                        Jun 29 '11 at 23:45





                        Robin Williams "The Non-Designer's Design Book: Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice" covers these principles in a great way! goo.gl/qoG0Q
                        – Chris Hayes
                        Jun 29 '11 at 23:45





                        3




                        3




                        Like the acronym. When you're finished, do you say it looks like CRAP :p ?
                        – James P.
                        Mar 23 '13 at 5:35




                        Like the acronym. When you're finished, do you say it looks like CRAP :p ?
                        – James P.
                        Mar 23 '13 at 5:35




                        1




                        1




                        @Chris There's now a newer (4th, 2014) edition of the Williams book.
                        – bitFlipper
                        Jun 23 '16 at 0:12





                        @Chris There's now a newer (4th, 2014) edition of the Williams book.
                        – bitFlipper
                        Jun 23 '16 at 0:12











                        up vote
                        24
                        down vote













                        Never ask "Are you sure?". Just allow unlimited, reliable undo/redo.






                        share|improve this answer
















                        • 6




                          You're right, but I don't think this is realistic. Implementing a rollback often require a lot of effort.
                          – Dimitri C.
                          Mar 12 '10 at 8:13










                        • @Dimitri C.: Not nearly as much if you build it into the design from day -1. In a text editor, for example, you could just create a hidden directory and use Mercurial/Git/whatever to keep track of potentially destructive operations. The Command Software Design Pattern is also helpful. Google Mail is a nice example: have noticed that if you delete a thread there is no dialog box? Instead, there is a small notification bar which says something like: "You just moved a thread to the trashcan. [More Information] [Undo]"
                          – Jörg W Mittag
                          Mar 12 '10 at 14:00














                        up vote
                        24
                        down vote













                        Never ask "Are you sure?". Just allow unlimited, reliable undo/redo.






                        share|improve this answer
















                        • 6




                          You're right, but I don't think this is realistic. Implementing a rollback often require a lot of effort.
                          – Dimitri C.
                          Mar 12 '10 at 8:13










                        • @Dimitri C.: Not nearly as much if you build it into the design from day -1. In a text editor, for example, you could just create a hidden directory and use Mercurial/Git/whatever to keep track of potentially destructive operations. The Command Software Design Pattern is also helpful. Google Mail is a nice example: have noticed that if you delete a thread there is no dialog box? Instead, there is a small notification bar which says something like: "You just moved a thread to the trashcan. [More Information] [Undo]"
                          – Jörg W Mittag
                          Mar 12 '10 at 14:00












                        up vote
                        24
                        down vote










                        up vote
                        24
                        down vote









                        Never ask "Are you sure?". Just allow unlimited, reliable undo/redo.






                        share|improve this answer












                        Never ask "Are you sure?". Just allow unlimited, reliable undo/redo.







                        share|improve this answer












                        share|improve this answer



                        share|improve this answer










                        answered Sep 18 '08 at 11:45









                        Jörg W Mittag

                        286k62352543




                        286k62352543







                        • 6




                          You're right, but I don't think this is realistic. Implementing a rollback often require a lot of effort.
                          – Dimitri C.
                          Mar 12 '10 at 8:13










                        • @Dimitri C.: Not nearly as much if you build it into the design from day -1. In a text editor, for example, you could just create a hidden directory and use Mercurial/Git/whatever to keep track of potentially destructive operations. The Command Software Design Pattern is also helpful. Google Mail is a nice example: have noticed that if you delete a thread there is no dialog box? Instead, there is a small notification bar which says something like: "You just moved a thread to the trashcan. [More Information] [Undo]"
                          – Jörg W Mittag
                          Mar 12 '10 at 14:00












                        • 6




                          You're right, but I don't think this is realistic. Implementing a rollback often require a lot of effort.
                          – Dimitri C.
                          Mar 12 '10 at 8:13










                        • @Dimitri C.: Not nearly as much if you build it into the design from day -1. In a text editor, for example, you could just create a hidden directory and use Mercurial/Git/whatever to keep track of potentially destructive operations. The Command Software Design Pattern is also helpful. Google Mail is a nice example: have noticed that if you delete a thread there is no dialog box? Instead, there is a small notification bar which says something like: "You just moved a thread to the trashcan. [More Information] [Undo]"
                          – Jörg W Mittag
                          Mar 12 '10 at 14:00







                        6




                        6




                        You're right, but I don't think this is realistic. Implementing a rollback often require a lot of effort.
                        – Dimitri C.
                        Mar 12 '10 at 8:13




                        You're right, but I don't think this is realistic. Implementing a rollback often require a lot of effort.
                        – Dimitri C.
                        Mar 12 '10 at 8:13












                        @Dimitri C.: Not nearly as much if you build it into the design from day -1. In a text editor, for example, you could just create a hidden directory and use Mercurial/Git/whatever to keep track of potentially destructive operations. The Command Software Design Pattern is also helpful. Google Mail is a nice example: have noticed that if you delete a thread there is no dialog box? Instead, there is a small notification bar which says something like: "You just moved a thread to the trashcan. [More Information] [Undo]"
                        – Jörg W Mittag
                        Mar 12 '10 at 14:00




                        @Dimitri C.: Not nearly as much if you build it into the design from day -1. In a text editor, for example, you could just create a hidden directory and use Mercurial/Git/whatever to keep track of potentially destructive operations. The Command Software Design Pattern is also helpful. Google Mail is a nice example: have noticed that if you delete a thread there is no dialog box? Instead, there is a small notification bar which says something like: "You just moved a thread to the trashcan. [More Information] [Undo]"
                        – Jörg W Mittag
                        Mar 12 '10 at 14:00










                        up vote
                        11
                        down vote













                        Try to think about what your user wants to achieve instead of what the requirements are.



                        The user will enter your system and use it to achieve a goal. When you open up calc you need to make a simple fast calculation 90% of the time so that's why by default it is set to simple mode.



                        So don't think about what the application must do but think about the user which will be doing it, probably bored, and try to design based on what his intentions are, try to make his life easier.






                        share|improve this answer
























                          up vote
                          11
                          down vote













                          Try to think about what your user wants to achieve instead of what the requirements are.



                          The user will enter your system and use it to achieve a goal. When you open up calc you need to make a simple fast calculation 90% of the time so that's why by default it is set to simple mode.



                          So don't think about what the application must do but think about the user which will be doing it, probably bored, and try to design based on what his intentions are, try to make his life easier.






                          share|improve this answer






















                            up vote
                            11
                            down vote










                            up vote
                            11
                            down vote









                            Try to think about what your user wants to achieve instead of what the requirements are.



                            The user will enter your system and use it to achieve a goal. When you open up calc you need to make a simple fast calculation 90% of the time so that's why by default it is set to simple mode.



                            So don't think about what the application must do but think about the user which will be doing it, probably bored, and try to design based on what his intentions are, try to make his life easier.






                            share|improve this answer












                            Try to think about what your user wants to achieve instead of what the requirements are.



                            The user will enter your system and use it to achieve a goal. When you open up calc you need to make a simple fast calculation 90% of the time so that's why by default it is set to simple mode.



                            So don't think about what the application must do but think about the user which will be doing it, probably bored, and try to design based on what his intentions are, try to make his life easier.







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Sep 18 '08 at 8:31









                            Jorge Córdoba

                            31.2k868117




                            31.2k868117




















                                up vote
                                8
                                down vote













                                If you're doing anything for the web, or any front-facing software application for that matter, you really owe it to yourself to read...



                                Don't make me think - Steve Krug






                                share|improve this answer
























                                  up vote
                                  8
                                  down vote













                                  If you're doing anything for the web, or any front-facing software application for that matter, you really owe it to yourself to read...



                                  Don't make me think - Steve Krug






                                  share|improve this answer






















                                    up vote
                                    8
                                    down vote










                                    up vote
                                    8
                                    down vote









                                    If you're doing anything for the web, or any front-facing software application for that matter, you really owe it to yourself to read...



                                    Don't make me think - Steve Krug






                                    share|improve this answer












                                    If you're doing anything for the web, or any front-facing software application for that matter, you really owe it to yourself to read...



                                    Don't make me think - Steve Krug







                                    share|improve this answer












                                    share|improve this answer



                                    share|improve this answer










                                    answered Sep 18 '08 at 8:27









                                    Ali Parr

                                    3,71132431




                                    3,71132431




















                                        up vote
                                        7
                                        down vote













                                        Breadcrumbs in webapps:

                                        Tell -> The -> User -> Where -> She -> Is in the system



                                        This is pretty hard to do in "dynamic" systems with multiple paths to the same data, but it often helps navigate the system.






                                        share|improve this answer
















                                        • 2




                                          Jared Spool did some user testing on this and learned that only coputer savvy people use breadcrumbs. Normal visitors don't get this concept.
                                          – Silviu Postavaru
                                          Jun 2 '09 at 9:48






                                        • 1




                                          It might be so. But a quick read on Spool's article uie.com/brainsparks/2005/09/26/value-of-breadcrumbs gives me the impression that he thinks that breadcrumbs are just a navigational tool for the user. In my opinion they're also a good "page heading". Also, Spool's article is far from scientific...
                                          – kosoant
                                          Jun 3 '09 at 6:00










                                        • I think these would actually be pretty good in some desktop apps too!
                                          – paulm
                                          Feb 6 '13 at 19:59














                                        up vote
                                        7
                                        down vote













                                        Breadcrumbs in webapps:

                                        Tell -> The -> User -> Where -> She -> Is in the system



                                        This is pretty hard to do in "dynamic" systems with multiple paths to the same data, but it often helps navigate the system.






                                        share|improve this answer
















                                        • 2




                                          Jared Spool did some user testing on this and learned that only coputer savvy people use breadcrumbs. Normal visitors don't get this concept.
                                          – Silviu Postavaru
                                          Jun 2 '09 at 9:48






                                        • 1




                                          It might be so. But a quick read on Spool's article uie.com/brainsparks/2005/09/26/value-of-breadcrumbs gives me the impression that he thinks that breadcrumbs are just a navigational tool for the user. In my opinion they're also a good "page heading". Also, Spool's article is far from scientific...
                                          – kosoant
                                          Jun 3 '09 at 6:00










                                        • I think these would actually be pretty good in some desktop apps too!
                                          – paulm
                                          Feb 6 '13 at 19:59












                                        up vote
                                        7
                                        down vote










                                        up vote
                                        7
                                        down vote









                                        Breadcrumbs in webapps:

                                        Tell -> The -> User -> Where -> She -> Is in the system



                                        This is pretty hard to do in "dynamic" systems with multiple paths to the same data, but it often helps navigate the system.






                                        share|improve this answer












                                        Breadcrumbs in webapps:

                                        Tell -> The -> User -> Where -> She -> Is in the system



                                        This is pretty hard to do in "dynamic" systems with multiple paths to the same data, but it often helps navigate the system.







                                        share|improve this answer












                                        share|improve this answer



                                        share|improve this answer










                                        answered Sep 18 '08 at 8:44









                                        kosoant

                                        8,67472637




                                        8,67472637







                                        • 2




                                          Jared Spool did some user testing on this and learned that only coputer savvy people use breadcrumbs. Normal visitors don't get this concept.
                                          – Silviu Postavaru
                                          Jun 2 '09 at 9:48






                                        • 1




                                          It might be so. But a quick read on Spool's article uie.com/brainsparks/2005/09/26/value-of-breadcrumbs gives me the impression that he thinks that breadcrumbs are just a navigational tool for the user. In my opinion they're also a good "page heading". Also, Spool's article is far from scientific...
                                          – kosoant
                                          Jun 3 '09 at 6:00










                                        • I think these would actually be pretty good in some desktop apps too!
                                          – paulm
                                          Feb 6 '13 at 19:59












                                        • 2




                                          Jared Spool did some user testing on this and learned that only coputer savvy people use breadcrumbs. Normal visitors don't get this concept.
                                          – Silviu Postavaru
                                          Jun 2 '09 at 9:48






                                        • 1




                                          It might be so. But a quick read on Spool's article uie.com/brainsparks/2005/09/26/value-of-breadcrumbs gives me the impression that he thinks that breadcrumbs are just a navigational tool for the user. In my opinion they're also a good "page heading". Also, Spool's article is far from scientific...
                                          – kosoant
                                          Jun 3 '09 at 6:00










                                        • I think these would actually be pretty good in some desktop apps too!
                                          – paulm
                                          Feb 6 '13 at 19:59







                                        2




                                        2




                                        Jared Spool did some user testing on this and learned that only coputer savvy people use breadcrumbs. Normal visitors don't get this concept.
                                        – Silviu Postavaru
                                        Jun 2 '09 at 9:48




                                        Jared Spool did some user testing on this and learned that only coputer savvy people use breadcrumbs. Normal visitors don't get this concept.
                                        – Silviu Postavaru
                                        Jun 2 '09 at 9:48




                                        1




                                        1




                                        It might be so. But a quick read on Spool's article uie.com/brainsparks/2005/09/26/value-of-breadcrumbs gives me the impression that he thinks that breadcrumbs are just a navigational tool for the user. In my opinion they're also a good "page heading". Also, Spool's article is far from scientific...
                                        – kosoant
                                        Jun 3 '09 at 6:00




                                        It might be so. But a quick read on Spool's article uie.com/brainsparks/2005/09/26/value-of-breadcrumbs gives me the impression that he thinks that breadcrumbs are just a navigational tool for the user. In my opinion they're also a good "page heading". Also, Spool's article is far from scientific...
                                        – kosoant
                                        Jun 3 '09 at 6:00












                                        I think these would actually be pretty good in some desktop apps too!
                                        – paulm
                                        Feb 6 '13 at 19:59




                                        I think these would actually be pretty good in some desktop apps too!
                                        – paulm
                                        Feb 6 '13 at 19:59










                                        up vote
                                        6
                                        down vote













                                        I try to adapt to the environment.



                                        When developing for an Windows application, I use the Windows Vista User Experience Guidelines but when I'm developing an web application I use the appropriate guidelines, because I develop Dutch websites I use the "Drempelvrij" guidelines which are based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 1.0) by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).



                                        The reason I do this is to reduce the learning curve of a new user.






                                        share|improve this answer


























                                          up vote
                                          6
                                          down vote













                                          I try to adapt to the environment.



                                          When developing for an Windows application, I use the Windows Vista User Experience Guidelines but when I'm developing an web application I use the appropriate guidelines, because I develop Dutch websites I use the "Drempelvrij" guidelines which are based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 1.0) by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).



                                          The reason I do this is to reduce the learning curve of a new user.






                                          share|improve this answer
























                                            up vote
                                            6
                                            down vote










                                            up vote
                                            6
                                            down vote









                                            I try to adapt to the environment.



                                            When developing for an Windows application, I use the Windows Vista User Experience Guidelines but when I'm developing an web application I use the appropriate guidelines, because I develop Dutch websites I use the "Drempelvrij" guidelines which are based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 1.0) by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).



                                            The reason I do this is to reduce the learning curve of a new user.






                                            share|improve this answer














                                            I try to adapt to the environment.



                                            When developing for an Windows application, I use the Windows Vista User Experience Guidelines but when I'm developing an web application I use the appropriate guidelines, because I develop Dutch websites I use the "Drempelvrij" guidelines which are based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 1.0) by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).



                                            The reason I do this is to reduce the learning curve of a new user.







                                            share|improve this answer














                                            share|improve this answer



                                            share|improve this answer








                                            edited Sep 18 '08 at 11:51

























                                            answered Sep 18 '08 at 8:02









                                            Davy Landman

                                            12.7k53970




                                            12.7k53970




















                                                up vote
                                                6
                                                down vote













                                                I would recommend to get a good solid understanding of GUI design by reading the book The Design of Everyday Things. Although the main printable is a comment from Joel Spolsky: When the behavior of the application differs to what the user expects to happen then you have a problem with your graphical user interface.



                                                The best example is, when somebody swaps around the OK and Cancel button on some web sites. The user expects the OK button to be on the left, and the Cancel button to be on the right. So in short, when the application behavior differs to what the user expects what to happen then you have a user interface design problem.



                                                Although, the best advice, in no matter what design or design pattern you follow, is to keep the design and conventions consistent throughout the application.






                                                share|improve this answer


























                                                  up vote
                                                  6
                                                  down vote













                                                  I would recommend to get a good solid understanding of GUI design by reading the book The Design of Everyday Things. Although the main printable is a comment from Joel Spolsky: When the behavior of the application differs to what the user expects to happen then you have a problem with your graphical user interface.



                                                  The best example is, when somebody swaps around the OK and Cancel button on some web sites. The user expects the OK button to be on the left, and the Cancel button to be on the right. So in short, when the application behavior differs to what the user expects what to happen then you have a user interface design problem.



                                                  Although, the best advice, in no matter what design or design pattern you follow, is to keep the design and conventions consistent throughout the application.






                                                  share|improve this answer
























                                                    up vote
                                                    6
                                                    down vote










                                                    up vote
                                                    6
                                                    down vote









                                                    I would recommend to get a good solid understanding of GUI design by reading the book The Design of Everyday Things. Although the main printable is a comment from Joel Spolsky: When the behavior of the application differs to what the user expects to happen then you have a problem with your graphical user interface.



                                                    The best example is, when somebody swaps around the OK and Cancel button on some web sites. The user expects the OK button to be on the left, and the Cancel button to be on the right. So in short, when the application behavior differs to what the user expects what to happen then you have a user interface design problem.



                                                    Although, the best advice, in no matter what design or design pattern you follow, is to keep the design and conventions consistent throughout the application.






                                                    share|improve this answer














                                                    I would recommend to get a good solid understanding of GUI design by reading the book The Design of Everyday Things. Although the main printable is a comment from Joel Spolsky: When the behavior of the application differs to what the user expects to happen then you have a problem with your graphical user interface.



                                                    The best example is, when somebody swaps around the OK and Cancel button on some web sites. The user expects the OK button to be on the left, and the Cancel button to be on the right. So in short, when the application behavior differs to what the user expects what to happen then you have a user interface design problem.



                                                    Although, the best advice, in no matter what design or design pattern you follow, is to keep the design and conventions consistent throughout the application.







                                                    share|improve this answer














                                                    share|improve this answer



                                                    share|improve this answer








                                                    edited Feb 21 '12 at 20:43









                                                    Peter Mortensen

                                                    13.3k1983111




                                                    13.3k1983111










                                                    answered Sep 18 '08 at 8:03









                                                    Chad

                                                    2,04722236




                                                    2,04722236




















                                                        up vote
                                                        3
                                                        down vote













                                                        Avoid asking the user to make choices whenever you can (i.e. don't create a fork with a configuration dialog!)



                                                        For every option and every message box, ask yourself: can I instead come up with some reasonable default behavior that



                                                        • makes sense?

                                                        • does not get in the user's way?

                                                        • is easy enough to learn that it costs little to the user that I impose this on him?

                                                        I can use my Palm handheld as an example: the settings are really minimalistic, and I'm quite happy with that. The basic applications are well designed enough that I can simply use them without feeling the need for tweaking. Ok, there are some things I can't do, and in fact I sort of had to adapt myself to the tool (instead of the opposite), but in the end this really makes my life easier.



                                                        This website is another example: you can't configure anything, and yet I find it really nice to use.



                                                        Reasonable defaults can be hard to figure out, and simple usability tests can provide a lot of clues to help you with that.






                                                        share|improve this answer
























                                                          up vote
                                                          3
                                                          down vote













                                                          Avoid asking the user to make choices whenever you can (i.e. don't create a fork with a configuration dialog!)



                                                          For every option and every message box, ask yourself: can I instead come up with some reasonable default behavior that



                                                          • makes sense?

                                                          • does not get in the user's way?

                                                          • is easy enough to learn that it costs little to the user that I impose this on him?

                                                          I can use my Palm handheld as an example: the settings are really minimalistic, and I'm quite happy with that. The basic applications are well designed enough that I can simply use them without feeling the need for tweaking. Ok, there are some things I can't do, and in fact I sort of had to adapt myself to the tool (instead of the opposite), but in the end this really makes my life easier.



                                                          This website is another example: you can't configure anything, and yet I find it really nice to use.



                                                          Reasonable defaults can be hard to figure out, and simple usability tests can provide a lot of clues to help you with that.






                                                          share|improve this answer






















                                                            up vote
                                                            3
                                                            down vote










                                                            up vote
                                                            3
                                                            down vote









                                                            Avoid asking the user to make choices whenever you can (i.e. don't create a fork with a configuration dialog!)



                                                            For every option and every message box, ask yourself: can I instead come up with some reasonable default behavior that



                                                            • makes sense?

                                                            • does not get in the user's way?

                                                            • is easy enough to learn that it costs little to the user that I impose this on him?

                                                            I can use my Palm handheld as an example: the settings are really minimalistic, and I'm quite happy with that. The basic applications are well designed enough that I can simply use them without feeling the need for tweaking. Ok, there are some things I can't do, and in fact I sort of had to adapt myself to the tool (instead of the opposite), but in the end this really makes my life easier.



                                                            This website is another example: you can't configure anything, and yet I find it really nice to use.



                                                            Reasonable defaults can be hard to figure out, and simple usability tests can provide a lot of clues to help you with that.






                                                            share|improve this answer












                                                            Avoid asking the user to make choices whenever you can (i.e. don't create a fork with a configuration dialog!)



                                                            For every option and every message box, ask yourself: can I instead come up with some reasonable default behavior that



                                                            • makes sense?

                                                            • does not get in the user's way?

                                                            • is easy enough to learn that it costs little to the user that I impose this on him?

                                                            I can use my Palm handheld as an example: the settings are really minimalistic, and I'm quite happy with that. The basic applications are well designed enough that I can simply use them without feeling the need for tweaking. Ok, there are some things I can't do, and in fact I sort of had to adapt myself to the tool (instead of the opposite), but in the end this really makes my life easier.



                                                            This website is another example: you can't configure anything, and yet I find it really nice to use.



                                                            Reasonable defaults can be hard to figure out, and simple usability tests can provide a lot of clues to help you with that.







                                                            share|improve this answer












                                                            share|improve this answer



                                                            share|improve this answer










                                                            answered Sep 18 '08 at 8:57









                                                            Carl Seleborg

                                                            9,99474969




                                                            9,99474969




















                                                                up vote
                                                                3
                                                                down vote













                                                                Show the interface to a sample of users. Ask them to perform a typical task. Watch for their mistakes. Listen to their comments. Make changes and repeat.






                                                                share|improve this answer




















                                                                • Make sure it's a representative sample of your customers. We use an intern for this and we have to give them special instructions to include the over 30 crowd.
                                                                  – Clay Nichols
                                                                  Nov 22 '08 at 22:27














                                                                up vote
                                                                3
                                                                down vote













                                                                Show the interface to a sample of users. Ask them to perform a typical task. Watch for their mistakes. Listen to their comments. Make changes and repeat.






                                                                share|improve this answer




















                                                                • Make sure it's a representative sample of your customers. We use an intern for this and we have to give them special instructions to include the over 30 crowd.
                                                                  – Clay Nichols
                                                                  Nov 22 '08 at 22:27












                                                                up vote
                                                                3
                                                                down vote










                                                                up vote
                                                                3
                                                                down vote









                                                                Show the interface to a sample of users. Ask them to perform a typical task. Watch for their mistakes. Listen to their comments. Make changes and repeat.






                                                                share|improve this answer












                                                                Show the interface to a sample of users. Ask them to perform a typical task. Watch for their mistakes. Listen to their comments. Make changes and repeat.







                                                                share|improve this answer












                                                                share|improve this answer



                                                                share|improve this answer










                                                                answered Sep 18 '08 at 9:06









                                                                Kramii

                                                                5,05342535




                                                                5,05342535











                                                                • Make sure it's a representative sample of your customers. We use an intern for this and we have to give them special instructions to include the over 30 crowd.
                                                                  – Clay Nichols
                                                                  Nov 22 '08 at 22:27
















                                                                • Make sure it's a representative sample of your customers. We use an intern for this and we have to give them special instructions to include the over 30 crowd.
                                                                  – Clay Nichols
                                                                  Nov 22 '08 at 22:27















                                                                Make sure it's a representative sample of your customers. We use an intern for this and we have to give them special instructions to include the over 30 crowd.
                                                                – Clay Nichols
                                                                Nov 22 '08 at 22:27




                                                                Make sure it's a representative sample of your customers. We use an intern for this and we have to give them special instructions to include the over 30 crowd.
                                                                – Clay Nichols
                                                                Nov 22 '08 at 22:27










                                                                up vote
                                                                2
                                                                down vote













                                                                The Design of Everyday Things - Donald Norman



                                                                A canon of design lore and the basis of many HCI courses at universities around the world. You won't design a great GUI in five minutes with a few comments from a web forum, but some principles will get your thinking pointed the right way.



                                                                --



                                                                MC






                                                                share|improve this answer




















                                                                • I would add that his Emotional Design is also very worth a read.
                                                                  – Travis
                                                                  Nov 8 '13 at 20:49














                                                                up vote
                                                                2
                                                                down vote













                                                                The Design of Everyday Things - Donald Norman



                                                                A canon of design lore and the basis of many HCI courses at universities around the world. You won't design a great GUI in five minutes with a few comments from a web forum, but some principles will get your thinking pointed the right way.



                                                                --



                                                                MC






                                                                share|improve this answer




















                                                                • I would add that his Emotional Design is also very worth a read.
                                                                  – Travis
                                                                  Nov 8 '13 at 20:49












                                                                up vote
                                                                2
                                                                down vote










                                                                up vote
                                                                2
                                                                down vote









                                                                The Design of Everyday Things - Donald Norman



                                                                A canon of design lore and the basis of many HCI courses at universities around the world. You won't design a great GUI in five minutes with a few comments from a web forum, but some principles will get your thinking pointed the right way.



                                                                --



                                                                MC






                                                                share|improve this answer












                                                                The Design of Everyday Things - Donald Norman



                                                                A canon of design lore and the basis of many HCI courses at universities around the world. You won't design a great GUI in five minutes with a few comments from a web forum, but some principles will get your thinking pointed the right way.



                                                                --



                                                                MC







                                                                share|improve this answer












                                                                share|improve this answer



                                                                share|improve this answer










                                                                answered Sep 18 '08 at 8:39







                                                                Michael Carden


















                                                                • I would add that his Emotional Design is also very worth a read.
                                                                  – Travis
                                                                  Nov 8 '13 at 20:49
















                                                                • I would add that his Emotional Design is also very worth a read.
                                                                  – Travis
                                                                  Nov 8 '13 at 20:49















                                                                I would add that his Emotional Design is also very worth a read.
                                                                – Travis
                                                                Nov 8 '13 at 20:49




                                                                I would add that his Emotional Design is also very worth a read.
                                                                – Travis
                                                                Nov 8 '13 at 20:49










                                                                up vote
                                                                2
                                                                down vote













                                                                When constructing error messages make the error message be
                                                                the answers to these 3 questions (in that order):



                                                                1. What happened?


                                                                2. Why did it happen?


                                                                3. What can be done about it?


                                                                This is from "Human Interface Guidelines: The Apple Desktop
                                                                Interface" (1987, ISBN 0-201-17753-6), but it can be used
                                                                for any error message anywhere.
                                                                There is an updated version for Mac OS X.
                                                                The Microsoft page
                                                                User Interface Messages
                                                                says the same thing: "... in the case of an error message,
                                                                you should include the issue, the cause, and the user action
                                                                to correct the problem."



                                                                Also include any information that is known by the program,
                                                                not just some fixed string. E.g. for the "Why did it happen" part of the error message use "Raw spectrum file
                                                                L:refDataForMascotParserTripleEncodingQ1LCMS190203_01Doub
                                                                leArg.wiff does not exist" instead of just "File does
                                                                not exist".



                                                                Contrast this with the infamous error message: "An error
                                                                happend.".






                                                                share|improve this answer


























                                                                  up vote
                                                                  2
                                                                  down vote













                                                                  When constructing error messages make the error message be
                                                                  the answers to these 3 questions (in that order):



                                                                  1. What happened?


                                                                  2. Why did it happen?


                                                                  3. What can be done about it?


                                                                  This is from "Human Interface Guidelines: The Apple Desktop
                                                                  Interface" (1987, ISBN 0-201-17753-6), but it can be used
                                                                  for any error message anywhere.
                                                                  There is an updated version for Mac OS X.
                                                                  The Microsoft page
                                                                  User Interface Messages
                                                                  says the same thing: "... in the case of an error message,
                                                                  you should include the issue, the cause, and the user action
                                                                  to correct the problem."



                                                                  Also include any information that is known by the program,
                                                                  not just some fixed string. E.g. for the "Why did it happen" part of the error message use "Raw spectrum file
                                                                  L:refDataForMascotParserTripleEncodingQ1LCMS190203_01Doub
                                                                  leArg.wiff does not exist" instead of just "File does
                                                                  not exist".



                                                                  Contrast this with the infamous error message: "An error
                                                                  happend.".






                                                                  share|improve this answer
























                                                                    up vote
                                                                    2
                                                                    down vote










                                                                    up vote
                                                                    2
                                                                    down vote









                                                                    When constructing error messages make the error message be
                                                                    the answers to these 3 questions (in that order):



                                                                    1. What happened?


                                                                    2. Why did it happen?


                                                                    3. What can be done about it?


                                                                    This is from "Human Interface Guidelines: The Apple Desktop
                                                                    Interface" (1987, ISBN 0-201-17753-6), but it can be used
                                                                    for any error message anywhere.
                                                                    There is an updated version for Mac OS X.
                                                                    The Microsoft page
                                                                    User Interface Messages
                                                                    says the same thing: "... in the case of an error message,
                                                                    you should include the issue, the cause, and the user action
                                                                    to correct the problem."



                                                                    Also include any information that is known by the program,
                                                                    not just some fixed string. E.g. for the "Why did it happen" part of the error message use "Raw spectrum file
                                                                    L:refDataForMascotParserTripleEncodingQ1LCMS190203_01Doub
                                                                    leArg.wiff does not exist" instead of just "File does
                                                                    not exist".



                                                                    Contrast this with the infamous error message: "An error
                                                                    happend.".






                                                                    share|improve this answer














                                                                    When constructing error messages make the error message be
                                                                    the answers to these 3 questions (in that order):



                                                                    1. What happened?


                                                                    2. Why did it happen?


                                                                    3. What can be done about it?


                                                                    This is from "Human Interface Guidelines: The Apple Desktop
                                                                    Interface" (1987, ISBN 0-201-17753-6), but it can be used
                                                                    for any error message anywhere.
                                                                    There is an updated version for Mac OS X.
                                                                    The Microsoft page
                                                                    User Interface Messages
                                                                    says the same thing: "... in the case of an error message,
                                                                    you should include the issue, the cause, and the user action
                                                                    to correct the problem."



                                                                    Also include any information that is known by the program,
                                                                    not just some fixed string. E.g. for the "Why did it happen" part of the error message use "Raw spectrum file
                                                                    L:refDataForMascotParserTripleEncodingQ1LCMS190203_01Doub
                                                                    leArg.wiff does not exist" instead of just "File does
                                                                    not exist".



                                                                    Contrast this with the infamous error message: "An error
                                                                    happend.".







                                                                    share|improve this answer














                                                                    share|improve this answer



                                                                    share|improve this answer








                                                                    edited Jul 28 '10 at 21:44


























                                                                    community wiki





                                                                    2 revs
                                                                    Peter Mortensen





















                                                                        up vote
                                                                        1
                                                                        down vote













                                                                        (Stolen from Joel :o) )



                                                                        Don't disable/remove options - rather give a helpful message when the user click/select it.






                                                                        share|improve this answer
















                                                                        • 1




                                                                          I also read that article, but think it works for most of the time, but not always. In some scenario you have to hide/disable menu options. Think about this: you have the Paste menupoint always visible and enabled and when you click on it, it will show a message: You have nothing to paste. :-)
                                                                          – Biri
                                                                          Sep 18 '08 at 8:03






                                                                        • 1




                                                                          One of the rare occasions where I completely disagree with Joel: Disabling menu options gives a direct feedback - 'not available now'. Save the user the action (and the disappointment) of having to click on a menu to find out. Hiding menu options is bad, though
                                                                          – Treb
                                                                          Oct 4 '08 at 7:59














                                                                        up vote
                                                                        1
                                                                        down vote













                                                                        (Stolen from Joel :o) )



                                                                        Don't disable/remove options - rather give a helpful message when the user click/select it.






                                                                        share|improve this answer
















                                                                        • 1




                                                                          I also read that article, but think it works for most of the time, but not always. In some scenario you have to hide/disable menu options. Think about this: you have the Paste menupoint always visible and enabled and when you click on it, it will show a message: You have nothing to paste. :-)
                                                                          – Biri
                                                                          Sep 18 '08 at 8:03






                                                                        • 1




                                                                          One of the rare occasions where I completely disagree with Joel: Disabling menu options gives a direct feedback - 'not available now'. Save the user the action (and the disappointment) of having to click on a menu to find out. Hiding menu options is bad, though
                                                                          – Treb
                                                                          Oct 4 '08 at 7:59












                                                                        up vote
                                                                        1
                                                                        down vote










                                                                        up vote
                                                                        1
                                                                        down vote









                                                                        (Stolen from Joel :o) )



                                                                        Don't disable/remove options - rather give a helpful message when the user click/select it.






                                                                        share|improve this answer












                                                                        (Stolen from Joel :o) )



                                                                        Don't disable/remove options - rather give a helpful message when the user click/select it.







                                                                        share|improve this answer












                                                                        share|improve this answer



                                                                        share|improve this answer










                                                                        answered Sep 18 '08 at 7:59









                                                                        slashmais

                                                                        4,87974371




                                                                        4,87974371







                                                                        • 1




                                                                          I also read that article, but think it works for most of the time, but not always. In some scenario you have to hide/disable menu options. Think about this: you have the Paste menupoint always visible and enabled and when you click on it, it will show a message: You have nothing to paste. :-)
                                                                          – Biri
                                                                          Sep 18 '08 at 8:03






                                                                        • 1




                                                                          One of the rare occasions where I completely disagree with Joel: Disabling menu options gives a direct feedback - 'not available now'. Save the user the action (and the disappointment) of having to click on a menu to find out. Hiding menu options is bad, though
                                                                          – Treb
                                                                          Oct 4 '08 at 7:59












                                                                        • 1




                                                                          I also read that article, but think it works for most of the time, but not always. In some scenario you have to hide/disable menu options. Think about this: you have the Paste menupoint always visible and enabled and when you click on it, it will show a message: You have nothing to paste. :-)
                                                                          – Biri
                                                                          Sep 18 '08 at 8:03






                                                                        • 1




                                                                          One of the rare occasions where I completely disagree with Joel: Disabling menu options gives a direct feedback - 'not available now'. Save the user the action (and the disappointment) of having to click on a menu to find out. Hiding menu options is bad, though
                                                                          – Treb
                                                                          Oct 4 '08 at 7:59







                                                                        1




                                                                        1




                                                                        I also read that article, but think it works for most of the time, but not always. In some scenario you have to hide/disable menu options. Think about this: you have the Paste menupoint always visible and enabled and when you click on it, it will show a message: You have nothing to paste. :-)
                                                                        – Biri
                                                                        Sep 18 '08 at 8:03




                                                                        I also read that article, but think it works for most of the time, but not always. In some scenario you have to hide/disable menu options. Think about this: you have the Paste menupoint always visible and enabled and when you click on it, it will show a message: You have nothing to paste. :-)
                                                                        – Biri
                                                                        Sep 18 '08 at 8:03




                                                                        1




                                                                        1




                                                                        One of the rare occasions where I completely disagree with Joel: Disabling menu options gives a direct feedback - 'not available now'. Save the user the action (and the disappointment) of having to click on a menu to find out. Hiding menu options is bad, though
                                                                        – Treb
                                                                        Oct 4 '08 at 7:59




                                                                        One of the rare occasions where I completely disagree with Joel: Disabling menu options gives a direct feedback - 'not available now'. Save the user the action (and the disappointment) of having to click on a menu to find out. Hiding menu options is bad, though
                                                                        – Treb
                                                                        Oct 4 '08 at 7:59










                                                                        up vote
                                                                        1
                                                                        down vote













                                                                        As my data structure professor pointed today: Give instructions on how your program works to the average user. We programmers often think we're pretty logical with our programs, but the average user probably won't know what to do.






                                                                        share|improve this answer


























                                                                          up vote
                                                                          1
                                                                          down vote













                                                                          As my data structure professor pointed today: Give instructions on how your program works to the average user. We programmers often think we're pretty logical with our programs, but the average user probably won't know what to do.






                                                                          share|improve this answer
























                                                                            up vote
                                                                            1
                                                                            down vote










                                                                            up vote
                                                                            1
                                                                            down vote









                                                                            As my data structure professor pointed today: Give instructions on how your program works to the average user. We programmers often think we're pretty logical with our programs, but the average user probably won't know what to do.






                                                                            share|improve this answer














                                                                            As my data structure professor pointed today: Give instructions on how your program works to the average user. We programmers often think we're pretty logical with our programs, but the average user probably won't know what to do.







                                                                            share|improve this answer














                                                                            share|improve this answer



                                                                            share|improve this answer








                                                                            edited Feb 21 '12 at 20:44









                                                                            Peter Mortensen

                                                                            13.3k1983111




                                                                            13.3k1983111










                                                                            answered Sep 18 '08 at 8:03









                                                                            marioBonales

                                                                            8626




                                                                            8626




















                                                                                up vote
                                                                                1
                                                                                down vote













                                                                                1. Use discreet/simple animated features to create seamless transitions from one section the the other. This helps the user to create a mental map of navigation/structure.


                                                                                2. Use short (one word if possible) titles on the buttons that describe clearly the essence of the action.


                                                                                3. Use semantic zooming where possible (a good example is how zooming works on Google/Bing maps, where more information is visible when you focus on an area).


                                                                                4. Create at least two ways to navigate: Vertical and horizontal. Vertical when you navigate between different sections and horizontal when you navigate within the contents of the section or subsection.


                                                                                5. Always keep the main options nodes of your structure visible (where the size of the screen and the type of device allows it).


                                                                                6. When you go deep into the structure always keep a visible hint (i.e. such as in the form of a path) indicating where you are.


                                                                                7. Hide elements when you want the user to focus on data (such as reading an article or viewing a project). - however beware of point #5 and #4.






                                                                                share|improve this answer


























                                                                                  up vote
                                                                                  1
                                                                                  down vote













                                                                                  1. Use discreet/simple animated features to create seamless transitions from one section the the other. This helps the user to create a mental map of navigation/structure.


                                                                                  2. Use short (one word if possible) titles on the buttons that describe clearly the essence of the action.


                                                                                  3. Use semantic zooming where possible (a good example is how zooming works on Google/Bing maps, where more information is visible when you focus on an area).


                                                                                  4. Create at least two ways to navigate: Vertical and horizontal. Vertical when you navigate between different sections and horizontal when you navigate within the contents of the section or subsection.


                                                                                  5. Always keep the main options nodes of your structure visible (where the size of the screen and the type of device allows it).


                                                                                  6. When you go deep into the structure always keep a visible hint (i.e. such as in the form of a path) indicating where you are.


                                                                                  7. Hide elements when you want the user to focus on data (such as reading an article or viewing a project). - however beware of point #5 and #4.






                                                                                  share|improve this answer
























                                                                                    up vote
                                                                                    1
                                                                                    down vote










                                                                                    up vote
                                                                                    1
                                                                                    down vote









                                                                                    1. Use discreet/simple animated features to create seamless transitions from one section the the other. This helps the user to create a mental map of navigation/structure.


                                                                                    2. Use short (one word if possible) titles on the buttons that describe clearly the essence of the action.


                                                                                    3. Use semantic zooming where possible (a good example is how zooming works on Google/Bing maps, where more information is visible when you focus on an area).


                                                                                    4. Create at least two ways to navigate: Vertical and horizontal. Vertical when you navigate between different sections and horizontal when you navigate within the contents of the section or subsection.


                                                                                    5. Always keep the main options nodes of your structure visible (where the size of the screen and the type of device allows it).


                                                                                    6. When you go deep into the structure always keep a visible hint (i.e. such as in the form of a path) indicating where you are.


                                                                                    7. Hide elements when you want the user to focus on data (such as reading an article or viewing a project). - however beware of point #5 and #4.






                                                                                    share|improve this answer














                                                                                    1. Use discreet/simple animated features to create seamless transitions from one section the the other. This helps the user to create a mental map of navigation/structure.


                                                                                    2. Use short (one word if possible) titles on the buttons that describe clearly the essence of the action.


                                                                                    3. Use semantic zooming where possible (a good example is how zooming works on Google/Bing maps, where more information is visible when you focus on an area).


                                                                                    4. Create at least two ways to navigate: Vertical and horizontal. Vertical when you navigate between different sections and horizontal when you navigate within the contents of the section or subsection.


                                                                                    5. Always keep the main options nodes of your structure visible (where the size of the screen and the type of device allows it).


                                                                                    6. When you go deep into the structure always keep a visible hint (i.e. such as in the form of a path) indicating where you are.


                                                                                    7. Hide elements when you want the user to focus on data (such as reading an article or viewing a project). - however beware of point #5 and #4.







                                                                                    share|improve this answer














                                                                                    share|improve this answer



                                                                                    share|improve this answer








                                                                                    edited Jul 31 '17 at 17:23


























                                                                                    community wiki





                                                                                    2 revs, 2 users 78%
                                                                                    vasilis





















                                                                                        up vote
                                                                                        0
                                                                                        down vote













                                                                                        Be Powerful and Simple



                                                                                        Oh, and hire a designer / learn design skills. :)






                                                                                        share|improve this answer
























                                                                                          up vote
                                                                                          0
                                                                                          down vote













                                                                                          Be Powerful and Simple



                                                                                          Oh, and hire a designer / learn design skills. :)






                                                                                          share|improve this answer






















                                                                                            up vote
                                                                                            0
                                                                                            down vote










                                                                                            up vote
                                                                                            0
                                                                                            down vote









                                                                                            Be Powerful and Simple



                                                                                            Oh, and hire a designer / learn design skills. :)






                                                                                            share|improve this answer












                                                                                            Be Powerful and Simple



                                                                                            Oh, and hire a designer / learn design skills. :)







                                                                                            share|improve this answer












                                                                                            share|improve this answer



                                                                                            share|improve this answer










                                                                                            answered Sep 18 '08 at 9:50









                                                                                            Nidonocu

                                                                                            6,13563443




                                                                                            6,13563443




















                                                                                                up vote
                                                                                                0
                                                                                                down vote













                                                                                                With GUIs, standards are kind of platform specific. E.g. While developing GUI in Eclipse this link provides decent guideline.






                                                                                                share|improve this answer


























                                                                                                  up vote
                                                                                                  0
                                                                                                  down vote













                                                                                                  With GUIs, standards are kind of platform specific. E.g. While developing GUI in Eclipse this link provides decent guideline.






                                                                                                  share|improve this answer
























                                                                                                    up vote
                                                                                                    0
                                                                                                    down vote










                                                                                                    up vote
                                                                                                    0
                                                                                                    down vote









                                                                                                    With GUIs, standards are kind of platform specific. E.g. While developing GUI in Eclipse this link provides decent guideline.






                                                                                                    share|improve this answer














                                                                                                    With GUIs, standards are kind of platform specific. E.g. While developing GUI in Eclipse this link provides decent guideline.







                                                                                                    share|improve this answer














                                                                                                    share|improve this answer



                                                                                                    share|improve this answer








                                                                                                    answered Jan 7 '14 at 14:42


























                                                                                                    community wiki





                                                                                                    Hammad





















                                                                                                        up vote
                                                                                                        0
                                                                                                        down vote













                                                                                                        I've read most of the above and one thing that I'm not seeing mentioned:



                                                                                                        If users are meant to use the interface ONCE, showing only what they need to use if possible is great.



                                                                                                        If the user interface is going to be used repeatedly by the same user, but maybe not very often, disabling controls is better than hiding them: the user interface changing and hidden features not being obvious (or remembered) by an occasional user is frustrating to the user.



                                                                                                        If the user interface is going to be used VERY REGULARLY by the same user (and there is not a lot of turnover in the job i.e. not a lot of new users coming online all the time) disabling controls is absolutely helpful and the user will become accustomed to the reasons why things happen but preventing them from using controls accidentally in improper contexts appreciated and prevents errors.



                                                                                                        Just my opinion, but it all goes back to understanding your user profile, not just what a single user session might entail.






                                                                                                        share|improve this answer


























                                                                                                          up vote
                                                                                                          0
                                                                                                          down vote













                                                                                                          I've read most of the above and one thing that I'm not seeing mentioned:



                                                                                                          If users are meant to use the interface ONCE, showing only what they need to use if possible is great.



                                                                                                          If the user interface is going to be used repeatedly by the same user, but maybe not very often, disabling controls is better than hiding them: the user interface changing and hidden features not being obvious (or remembered) by an occasional user is frustrating to the user.



                                                                                                          If the user interface is going to be used VERY REGULARLY by the same user (and there is not a lot of turnover in the job i.e. not a lot of new users coming online all the time) disabling controls is absolutely helpful and the user will become accustomed to the reasons why things happen but preventing them from using controls accidentally in improper contexts appreciated and prevents errors.



                                                                                                          Just my opinion, but it all goes back to understanding your user profile, not just what a single user session might entail.






                                                                                                          share|improve this answer
























                                                                                                            up vote
                                                                                                            0
                                                                                                            down vote










                                                                                                            up vote
                                                                                                            0
                                                                                                            down vote









                                                                                                            I've read most of the above and one thing that I'm not seeing mentioned:



                                                                                                            If users are meant to use the interface ONCE, showing only what they need to use if possible is great.



                                                                                                            If the user interface is going to be used repeatedly by the same user, but maybe not very often, disabling controls is better than hiding them: the user interface changing and hidden features not being obvious (or remembered) by an occasional user is frustrating to the user.



                                                                                                            If the user interface is going to be used VERY REGULARLY by the same user (and there is not a lot of turnover in the job i.e. not a lot of new users coming online all the time) disabling controls is absolutely helpful and the user will become accustomed to the reasons why things happen but preventing them from using controls accidentally in improper contexts appreciated and prevents errors.



                                                                                                            Just my opinion, but it all goes back to understanding your user profile, not just what a single user session might entail.






                                                                                                            share|improve this answer














                                                                                                            I've read most of the above and one thing that I'm not seeing mentioned:



                                                                                                            If users are meant to use the interface ONCE, showing only what they need to use if possible is great.



                                                                                                            If the user interface is going to be used repeatedly by the same user, but maybe not very often, disabling controls is better than hiding them: the user interface changing and hidden features not being obvious (or remembered) by an occasional user is frustrating to the user.



                                                                                                            If the user interface is going to be used VERY REGULARLY by the same user (and there is not a lot of turnover in the job i.e. not a lot of new users coming online all the time) disabling controls is absolutely helpful and the user will become accustomed to the reasons why things happen but preventing them from using controls accidentally in improper contexts appreciated and prevents errors.



                                                                                                            Just my opinion, but it all goes back to understanding your user profile, not just what a single user session might entail.







                                                                                                            share|improve this answer














                                                                                                            share|improve this answer



                                                                                                            share|improve this answer








                                                                                                            answered Apr 8 at 20:12


























                                                                                                            community wiki





                                                                                                            Ryan Germann














                                                                                                                Popular posts from this blog

                                                                                                                Top Tejano songwriter Luis Silva dead of heart attack at 64

                                                                                                                政党

                                                                                                                天津地下鉄3号線