West1Media Productions- User Interface Design

Often the web is used for applications, and not just information display. The idea behind User Interface design is taking the users point of view in design. The user's needs are most important in how the data is presented. For this to happen, usability studies must take place with the actual end users. Examples include a simple form that you might enter your address and credit card information, to a full-blown application such as a renewal of service. In the first example, getting the correct needed information and order, and laying the form out cleanly is fairly straightforward. In the second example of a renewal of service, there are several steps in a renewal process.

Finding out which steps must proceed others, presenting visual cues or icons for repetitive actions, and using clear terms (not jargon) are all important factors in user interface design. Typical web based applications are viewed "in the field" so a major factor is the speed of the application.

Some of the essentials of User Interface Design are as follows:

- Understand the user expectations, goals, and constraints - Using fixed width fonts to control input text field size
- Using background colors vs. images, as applications do not have time to wait for extensive artwork
- Multiple style sheets, based on monitor resolution
- The use of icons to represent repetitive actions
- The ability to work around back end code, such as JSP, ASP, Vignette code - Streamlined process to complete the offer or service - Different views based on permission and login

Seeing through the users eyes is the best way to ensure good usability. For example, when doing a usability test, we look for:

1. What navigation path is followed, where does the user go?
2. Is anything distracting, or broken?
3. What if anything works well?
4. Where does your eye go on a page, does this change if you are "looking for something"
5. Is the interface consistent
6. Any effective use of color or icons to help navigation?
7. Observe any thoughts and behaviors

Some other User Interface techniques that West1Media utilize include: market research, focus groups, questionnaires, interviews, heuristic evaluation, usability testing, and observation. Methods include: surveys, usage analysis, etc.

Factors of UI include: Operating Systems, Browsers, Monitor resolution, etc.

Good UI design is task / profile oriented, and conforms to a three click guideline. Sitewide context at all times, navigation controls and a consistent menu system.

Problems include: Plugins, frames, download speed, scrolling concerns, readability, contrast, etc.

Rules to good testing: Make sure the tester fits the profile of the sites target audience. Do not help, or assist the tester, ask them to think aloud while navigating with a task at hand. A typical task might be find this information within the site, then watch how they attempt to solve a need within the site. Video recording is an essential part of good testing, to be able to exactly return to the test data.