WHITE SPACE and USER INTERACTION Ebuba Udoh Idris Kargbo Linda Mensah

What is white space? The space between elements on a screen ( element in this case is the content i.e. text &graphics) Ignoring the content gives one the layout of the interface

Uses of white space Space to Separate Space to Structure Space to highlight

History and more about White Space The term arises from graphic design practice, where printing processes generally use white paper - it is that portion of a page left un-marked: In some types of magazine, newspapers, e.t.c, white space is limited in order to get as much vital information on to the page as possible. A page crammed full of text or graphics with very little white space appears busy, cluttered, and will be difficult to read without careful attention being paid to it. A page with a lot of white space can appear either incomplete, or large amounts of white space applied judiciously can give a page a classic, elegant, or rich appearance. Upscale brands often use ad layouts with little text and a lot of white space, for example.

How it helps user interaction Aids reading e.g. less strain on the eye Structuring/ grouping of information prevents information overload

How it helps user interaction Interaction not just about interface The devices dictate the style of interaction that the system support If we use different devices then the interface will support a different style of interaction To understand human-computer interaction need to understand computer

User Interaction, with most computing and other devices (cont) Rapid feedback Navigator system The user tell the computer what they want (input) The computer then answer by result (output) The user should be in control Doing rather than thinking

User Interaction, with most computing and other Devices (cont) Table and chair Drawing plans on the paper Mobile phone Photocopier Car

User Interaction, with most computing and other Devices Interaction Model - translation between user and system - the nature of user /system dialog - User decide where to go, what to see, what to do and when to leave - system should response for user interest of using the product/system

References Alan Dix, Janet Finlay, Gregory D. Abowd, Russell Beale, 2004,Human Computer Interaction Third chap-05.ppt chap-05.ppt