Interactive User Interface Design
Principles To Consider:
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Metaphors - appeal to senses, or trigger memories. Familiar real-world
UI metaphors include desktop, tapedeck, shopping cart... metaphors need
not be literal objects, however. Be creative!
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Consistency - of theme, colors, layout, interactive behavior
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Navigation - should be a clear path forward, backward, and home
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Design for Users - consider characteristics and frame of reference of
intended audience
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Visual Hierarchies - should clearly communicate relative importance
of content elements - these can change over time, ie navigation elements
that resize and relocate
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Feedback and Status - controls should respond to user input with a sound,
animation, or graphic change. User should be able to track their progress
or location as they move throughout a project
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Legibility - clear use of color, size, contrast, typography
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Testing - make sure to try your interface out on as many neutral parties
as possible. Observe their behavior and interview them. Respect their comments
and your observations, even if it means modifying your great design!
Interface examples:
Communication Arts Interactive Annual 2004
Communication Arts Interactive Annual 2003
2advanced
linkdup
Flash Forward
Russian Book
Conclave Obscurum
Trollback
Jac Ziesmer
Solopixel
Joshua Davis
Safeplaces
Preloaded
Phil Brown
Les Chinois