5-1 Principles of Interaction Design
Key Concepts
- Visibility
- Feedback
- Constraints
- Mapping
- Consistency
Visibility
Visibility refers to the clarity and prominence of interactive elements in a user interface. It ensures that users can easily see and understand what actions are available to them. Good visibility reduces confusion and helps users navigate the interface smoothly.
Example: A website with a prominent search bar at the top of the page ensures that users can quickly find and use the search functionality without searching for it.
Feedback
Feedback is the response given to users after they interact with an element. This can be visual, auditory, or tactile and helps users understand the outcome of their actions. Effective feedback enhances the user experience by providing confirmation and guidance.
Example: When a user clicks a button on a website, the button might change color or display a loading spinner to indicate that the action is being processed.
Constraints
Constraints are limitations or restrictions placed on users to guide their actions and reduce the likelihood of errors. These can be physical, logical, cultural, or semantic. Constraints help users understand what actions are possible and appropriate within a given context.
Example: A form field that only accepts numeric input prevents users from entering text, reducing the chance of input errors.
Mapping
Mapping refers to the relationship between the controls of a system and their effects in the user interface. A good mapping ensures that the user can easily predict how their actions will result in changes on the screen. This principle is crucial for creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces.
Example: In a music player application, the play/pause button is typically placed at the center of the control panel, with the forward and backward buttons on either side, mimicking the layout of a traditional music player.
Consistency
Consistency involves using the same design elements and patterns throughout an interface. This helps users understand how to interact with different parts of the interface, as they can apply their knowledge from one area to another. Consistency reduces the learning curve and enhances usability.
Example: A website that uses the same color scheme, font styles, and button designs across all pages ensures that users can easily navigate and interact with the site, regardless of the page they are on.