5E: UI development

Question 1

developer vs user perspective

Answer 1

developer: concentrates on correct planning, design, implementation of underlying processes
user: concentrates on the merits of the user interface + feedback given

Question 2

why is consultation with users/managers needed?

Answer 2

UI = for users; therefore they should be involved in the process to get feedback on design + functionality
- helps get better understanding of user’s requirements

Question 2

tools to use for consultation

Answer 2

1. observation: work routines + flows
2. storyboards: general design + navigation between forms
3. prototypes: concrete model for feedback
4. surveys
5. meetings: solves issues in short time

Question 3

use of storyboards

Answer 3

shows the general design of each interface together with how users navigate between forms within the interface

Question 4

factors affecting readability

Answer 4

• use of white space
• judicious use of color + graphics
• grouping of info
• legibility of text

Question 5

use of white space

Answer 5

space unused by screen elements
- breaks screen into sections, attracts user’s eye to important elements

Question 6

judicious use of color + graphics

Answer 6

judicious: basically done well
color: use sparingly or for a purpose
graphics: if it doesn’t deliver the message better than text, use text
- anything for aesthetic purposes should be able to be turned off

Question 7

grouping of information

Answer 7

group related items together: helps internalize overall purpose
- usually done through borders/frames or w/ label
- can be good to show all available elements on screen, unavailable ones dimmed

Question 8

legibility of text

Answer 8

• different fonts kept to minimum, only used for a reason other than aesthetic purposes
• should be able to be customized by user

Question 9

serif vs sans serif

Answer 9

serif texts: has little ticks/blobs attached to end of curves + lines of a character
- better in high resolution: 1200 dots/in and above
sans serif texts: no serifs
- better for low resolution: 70 dots/in

Question 10

text justification

Answer 10

justification: how text is aligned to margins
left justification: sticks to left margin, for lists in general
right justification: sticks to right margin, for numbers + decimals in general
centered justification: equidistant from both margins, for headings/specialized elements

Question 11

other things to remember

Answer 11

navigation + appropriate language for the intended audience