2.6 User-Centered Design

• User-Centered Design (UCD); an iterative design process in which designers focus on the users and their needs in each phase of the design process.
• User Centered Design;

  Analysis -> Conception -> Design -> Evaluation and Optimization and the cycle repeats
• Accessibility; Recognize how users learn interface
• Human Information Processing;

  Information Processing Model:

  Sensory Memory -> Short-Term Memory - > <- Long-Term Memory
• User Interface (UI) design patterns are reusable / recurring components which designers use to solve common problems in user interface design
• User Interface Design Patterns:

  1. A user’s usability -related problem.
  2. The context/situation where that problem happens.
  3. The principle involved—e.g., error management.
  4. Implementation—some patterns include detailed instructions
  5. Why—the reason for the pattern’s existence and how it can affect usability.
• Common UI Design Patterns;

  1. Breadcrumbs
  2. Lazy Registration
  3. Forgiving Format
  4. Clear Primary Action
  5. Progressive Disclosure
  6. Hover Controls
  7. Steps Left
  8. Dark Patterns
• Breadcrumbs; use linked labels to provide secondary navigation that shows the path from the front to the current site page in the hierarchy.
• Lazy Registration; Forms can put users off registration. So, use this sign-up pattern to let users sample what your site/app offers for free or familiarize themselves with it.
• Forgiving Format; Let users enter data in various formats (e.g., city/town/village or zip code).
• Clear Primary Action; Make buttons stand out with color so users know what to do
• Progressive Disclosure; Show users only features relevant for the task at hand, one per screen. If you break input demands into sections, you’ll reduce cognitive load (e.g., “Show More”).
• Hover Controls; Hide nonessential information on detailed pages to let users find relevant information more easily.
• Steps Left; Designers typically combine this with a wizard pattern
• Dark Patterns; are risky because user mistrust and feedback can destroy a brand’s reputation overnight..