One of the field in which I am not of much help with is user interface. It is hard for me because it is a blend between cognitive psychology, computer science, computer history, common sense and design. I am only good at computer science and quite average for the rest.
This does not mean that I am not trying. I often have to create user interfaces during my job. We do not have any usability expert at work. My approach is simple. I create my interface the way I think it should be alright and we change it later on after everyone had a chance to give his or her opinion.
A few months ago, I was badly influenced by a blog writer to buy many software development related books. One of them was DON’T MAKE ME THINK. It is a small book packed with full of common sense wisdom about user interfaces and usability. I can only recommend it to any one willing to get better at building user interfaces.
Reading that book made me realize that I know close to nothing when it comes to usability. It was the first step in my goal to get better at understanding what makes a good user interface and what makes a bad user interface. The next step for me will be to try those tips:
- Users do not like to think, my interfaces should requires the less possible brain power.
- I should stick to conventions or what is already known by at least 50% of the users.
- Opinions of uninterested* people trying to use the interface in a normal way should be listened to.
- Common sense is king in the land of complexity.
*People that have an interest in the way the interface is going to look like are most likely biased. They want to see the interface looks like the way they personally like or the way they think it is the best way. It does not mean that it will be easy to use by the majority if I follow those opinions. Unless they are usability experts, I think I should be careful about it.
I think the best way to realize point 3 is to do some usability tests with ordinary people. I think good interfaces should be tested by neutral outsiders.
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