Fundamentals of Designing User Interaction - Basic Concepts

Putting Theory into Practice

The use of objects in an interface design does not guarantee usability. But the application of object-based concepts does offer greater potential for a well-designed user interface. A user-centered design process is the best way to ensure a successful, high-quality interface.

The first step to object-based design should begin as any good design begins—with a thorough understanding of the users' objectives and tasks. In the task analysis, you will want to identify the following information:

The basic components or objects used in the tasks.
The behavior and characteristics that differentiate each kind of object.
The relationships of the objects to each other and to the user.
The actions to be performed, the objects to which they apply, and the state information or attributes that each object in the task must preserve, display, and allow to be edited.

After the analysis is complete, you can start designing the user interfaces for the objects you identified. Define how the objects are to be presented, either as icons or as data elements in a form. Use icons primarily to represent composite or container objects that need to be opened in separate windows. Present attribute or state information as properties of the associated object, usually with property sheets. Map behaviors and operations, such as menu commands and direct manipulation, to specific kinds of user interaction. Make these available when the user selects an object.

The information in this book will help you define how to apply the interfaces provided by the operating system.

Fundamentals of Designing User Interaction

Windows Interface Components

Design Specifications and Guidelines

Appendixes and References