CIS 376 Bruce R. Maxim UM-Dearborn User Interface Design CIS 376 Bruce R. Maxim UM-Dearborn

Usability Engineering The process of basing design on user needs, not technology availability. When two products have the same functionality, users will choose the on which seems to be more "usable".

What is design? Process not a state Design process is non-hierarchical Design process involves radical transformation Involves discovery of new goals

Three Pillars of Design Guideline documents and processes User interface software tools Expert reviews and usability testing

Logical User-Centered Interactive Design (LUCID) Methodology Develop project concept Perform needs analysis Design concepts and key-screen prototypes Iterative design and refinement Implement software Provide rollout support

LUCID requires the following activities to be performed at each stage: Product definition Business case Resource analysis Physical environment consideration Technical environment consideration User needs analysis Functionality analysis Prototype construction Usability assessment Design guidelines Content analysis Documentation, training, help

Ethnographic Observation of Users Preparation Field study observe without questioning interview users after the fact give users hypothetical problems to solve assume the user’s role Analysis of objective and subjective field data Reporting results

Participatory Design Advantage: Disadvantages: users buy in to final product Disadvantages: increased cost and time potential alienation of some user groups whose input is not followed

Task Scenario Construction Similar to OOA/OOD scenario work Scenario Design Tools Tables (e.g. user groups vs user tasks) Flowcharts Transition diagrams CRC cards

Social Impact Statement Describes new system and its benefits Addresses concerns and potential barriers Outlines development process

Relevant Legal Issues Privacy Safety and reliability Copyright protection Freedom of speech