The golden rules of user interface design are important if you are developing applications for users. These include consistency in the behavior of user interface controls, and the use of language that is clear and concise.
1.'Less is more' principle
When designing a website or other product, it's important to understand the principles of user interface design. These principles are used to increase the product's effectiveness while also ensuring that the user experience is as smooth and memorable as possible. The user interface should have a clear hierarchy of elements and steps. This allows users to navigate through the interface without losing their focus. It also allows them to complete a task more quickly. Keeping the most important elements on display while removing the unnecessary, is an essential part of great UI design. This is also why a user interface should be designed with aesthetics in mind.
A web page that is simple and uncluttered is a good indicator of how well an interface is done. This also helps to minimize the learning curve. In addition, an uncomplicated website will not distract the user from the goal. It will also have the proper negative space to keep things organized.
2.'Yield closure' principle
When designing a user interface, consider how the principle of yield closure can help. The principle is about making a series of actions that produce satisfying results. Users must be given options and feedback along the way. This should make it clear to them that they have reached the end of the process. It should also give them a sense of accomplishment when the process is complete. Interface design should include features to help speed up processes and reduce errors. This includes an undo feature, a redo feature, and a simple recovery mechanism.
The most popular software applications have a redo feature, which allows users to revert to an earlier state. They should be designed to make it easy to reverse an action, and the system should have simple and constructive instructions on handling errors. Dialogs are important tools for communicating the status of a system. In the best design, the message should leave no questions in the users' minds.
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3.'Consistency of behavior of user interface controls'
Consistency is one of the most important factors when designing a user interface. It affects the navigation and intuitiveness of the interface. Proper typography, language, and design patterns also contributes to consistency. Consistency in the user interface is important because people want predictable behavior from their software. In addition to avoiding surprises, it ensures that users achieve their goals faster and easier. For instance, using familiar elements, such as icons, text, and call-to-actions, makes users more comfortable.
Shneiderman, a professor of computer science at the University of Maryland, proposed eight golden interface design rules. These rules can be applied to any type of interface. They provide clear guidelines and practical tips for designers. One of the golden rules is to make actions easy to reverse. This is particularly important if the user has performed a task that requires multiple steps. To help ease this process, the system should respond to each action with a message that speaks the user's language.
4.'Error messages should be expressed in plain language'
When an error occurs on a website or app, it is best to provide a message to inform the user. The message should be in plain language and accompanied by simple instructions on correcting the error. Error messages should be simple and clear and be presented in a modal window. This helps users to identify problems and find solutions. Ideally, error messages should be short and include a positive tone.
In addition, interfaces should be designed to minimize friction during errors. Providing quick backtrack and recovery instructions is a key component of user interface design. Keeping users in control also leads to a sense of mastery and learning. Avoid creating complex input formats. Complex inputs take up time and reduce the number of actions the user can perform. Whenever possible, simplify inputs to minimize the number of physical actions required.