Chapter 18 - Designing the User Interface

1. User Interface Objectives
   • Effectiveness
   • Efficiency
   • User Consideration
   • Productivity
2. Types of User Interface
   • Natural Language Interfaces
   • Question-and-Answer Interfaces (dialog boxes)
   • Menus
   • Form-Fill Interfaces (Input/Output Forms)
   • Command-Language Interfaces
   • Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs)
3. Dialogs and Desktops
   • Guidelines for Dialog Design
     1. Meaningful Communication
     2. Minimal user action
     3. Standard operation and consistency
   • Other User Interfaces (pointing devices; speech recognition)
4. Feedback For Users
   • Acknowledging Acceptance of Input
   • Recognizing that Input is in the Correct Form
   • Notifying that Input is not in the Correct Form
   • Explaining a Delay in Processing
   • Acknowledging that a Request is Completed
   • Notifying that a Request was not Completed
   • Offering the User more Detailed Feedback
   • A Variety of Help Options
5. Designing Queries
   • Query By Example (QBE) [Access database]
   • Query By Form
   • Structured Query Language (SQL)
6. Searching on the Web
   1. Decide whether you really want to search or surf.
   2. Think of key terms first
   3. Construct search questions logically (ANDs & ORs)
   4. Use a search engine that saves your searches
   5. Use a search engine that informs you of changes in teh Web sites you select
   6. Check on search engines periodically
7. Data Mining
8. Productivity and Ergonomics Design
   • Computer Room Color and Lighting
   • Screen Displays, Keyboards, and Mice
   • Workspace Furnishings

Exercises: (due - noon Dec. 1, 1998)
e-mail to summers_wayne@ColumbusState.edu your answers to problems #1, #12 on page 712