What are some basic tenets of interface design? [closed]

Answer 1

Using real people: Test, test, test.

Answer 2

The one that I always try to remember is "7 items (max) to a page / form." It came up in my GUI class in college (7 or 8 years ago now).

I'm reminded of a web comic where they had an Apple design followed by Google design (both very simple) followed by "our" design with dozens of items littering the form.

Answer 3

Nielsen provides this list - which I would generally agree with

• Visibility of system status
• Match between system and the real world
• User control and freedom
• Consistency and standards
• Error prevention
• Recognition rather than recall
• Flexibility and efficiency of use
• Aesthetic and minimalist design
• Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors
• Help and documentation

Answer 4

I'd put consistency up there

-- Lee

Answer 5

A quick google search revealed these:

http://www.asktog.com/basics/firstPrinciples.html

http://www.ambysoft.com/essays/userInterfaceDesign.html

Answer 6

In no particular order (and off the top of my head):

• Convention over consistency
• Affordance (make it clear from the appearance how and what something does)
• Avoid modes
• Allow the user to create a correct mental model
• Protect the data (make it hard to be destructive)