1. User Interface Design: Tips and Techniques (Ambler) To the user, the interface IS the system A good user interface allows people who understand the problem domain to work with the application without having to read the manuals or receive training – [Constantine 1995] Don’t underestimate the value of user interface design

2. User Interface Design: Tips and Techniques (Ambler) Early continual focus on user Consistency –accurate mental model (the look) Do NOT get TOO FANCY (the feel) Navigation is important Get somebody who knows what they are doing!

3. Some specific tips use progressive disclosure use mouse pointer as clue all actions should have a response if something takes awhile, show progress broad menus better than deep menus avoid cute, humorous messages

4. Prototyping Determine the needs of your users –i.e. gather requirements Build the prototype –do not invest in coding yet Evaluate the prototype –what’s good –what’s bad –what’s missing Determine if you’re finished yet

5. Prototyping Tools? Visual Basic Java Swing Macromedia Director HTML Pencil and paper For presentation … VB, Browser, Powerpoint …