User Interface Design is a design of computer appliances, mobile devices, software applications and websites which focus on the user’s experience and interaction. The goal of user interface design is to make a user’s interaction as intuitive as possible. Where graphical design is bold and eye catching, good interface design is to facilitate finishing the task at hand over drawing attention to itself.

Interface design encompasses three distinct constructs- usability, visualization and functionality. Good interface design can increase consumer confidence and increase productivity. It is creating a right look and feel and giving a professional appearance to the product.

User Interface Design Principles

User Familiarity

The interface should be based on user oriented terms & concepts rather than computer concepts. For example an office system should use concepts such as letters, documents, folders etc.

Consistency

The system should display an appropriate level of consistency. Commands and menus should have a same format punctuation should be similar. The program should be externally and internally consistent.

Minimal Surprise

After the command operates a user should be able to predict the operation of a comparable command.

User Guidance

Some user guidance such as help system and online manuals are to be supplied. It should be goal oriented, descriptive, procedural, interpretive and navigational. Understand the type of help a user require.

User Diversity

For interaction to different type of user’s different versions of text should be available.

Know Your User

Know about user’s goals, experiences, skills and needs. There should be direct contact with real users; there should be a direct contact between the users.

State Visualization

Change in behavior should be easily reflected in the appearance of the program. Each change in the program should be accompanied by a change in the appearance of the interface of the program.

Shortcuts

Provide both abstract and concrete ways of getting a task done. Once a user has to become experienced using an application there sets up a mental model of the application. At this point of time easy steps are required than complex ones to make the task much easier. There are various levels of shortcuts; each one is more abstract than the other.

User Testing

We recruit appropriate help in detecting defects in interface design to avoid problems. We set up observations and design realistic task for users completely tested and without defects. It can occur at any time but it is generally held on a prototype only.

Humility

Some valuable insights can be gained from the users and their opinions. It is important to have opinions about the product along with insights as a developer and reduce them into an elegant and seamless whole - a design which may not satisfy everyone satisfies the greatest needs of greatest no. of people.

User Interface Design Process

• Discover: First we need to understand the company, its products, and customers. Only through understanding we can begin to offer suggestions to simplify that makes sense.

• Define: Define the scope of the project. Services range from graphic designing and user interface design to full prototype development. A good project definition helps us focus on what’s most important.

• Evaluate: A complete evaluation of the product is required. It is used as a future reference in designing and refining.

• Design & Editing: Working with the product design, refining screen elements and design issues. This process is repeated several times to ensure that the design meets with the needs of the customers.

• Re Evaluation: We keep a continuous check on the interface design to ensure the vision of design is carried.

User Interface Design Tips

• There should be consistency in the appearance.

• Include attractive icons on the interface.

• Use some creative ideas to be included on the interface design.

• Use the most exotic fonts.

• Always use a web browser in your application for better results.

• Add all possible features and applications to the OS.

• Always use hyperlinks not buttons; it creates confusions.

• Keep the help files simple.

• Don’t be afraid to experiment with colors. There should be something interesting in your application to attract the visitors.