Conceptual Design Dr. Dania Bilal IS588 Spring 2008

2 From requirements to first design: Conceptual Transform needs and requirements into a conceptual model Guidelines –Keep an open mind but never forget users –Discuss ideas with stakeholders –Develop a low-fidelity prototype –Obtain feedback –Iterate design as many times as needed

3 Initial conceptual model Identify interface metaphors suitable for users’ needs Identify interaction types that best support users’ activities Identify alternative designs and options

4 Metaphors Evaluate identified metaphors in terms of –Structure (e.g., familiarity) –Relevance to content –Ease of representation (visual, audio, text) –User understanding of meaning (Text pp )

5 Interaction styles Command line Menu-driven Natural language Question and answer (e.g., Yahoo Answers, questionnaires) Form fills (e.g., Google Advanced) Direct manipulation –Windows –WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers)

6 Menu-Driven interfaces The original infrequent/inexperienced user interface Components –Lists of options (text or graphic), selection mechanism, navigation, information architecture Usability affected by –Allows explanation –Supports recognition more than recall –Simplicity and structure

7 Natural language interfaces Can be multi-modal (visual, auditory, haptic) Components –Speech input, typed text, gesture recognition Issues –Hard to do –Usability issues Success rate which may be dependent on restricted vocabulary or training May require feedback/correction cycle

8 Question and answer Structured dialog through specific domain Examples: questionnaires, wizards, programmed instruction Components –Restricted set of options, limited input/selection tools, intelligent branching Usability issues –Easy to use but –Limited functionality and power

9 Form-fills Data entry Form-fill components –Multiple fields on full-screen display –Multiple data entry types Spreadsheets are form-fills –components Values, formulas, text Usability issues –Grid design, navigation, data types, complexity

10 Direct manipulation Components –Point/click sensitive places –Ability to move objects directly –Cursor, touchscreen input –Clipboards, toolboxes, templates, palettes –Icons, graphics Usability issues –Speed, icon design, flexibility

11 Point-and-click A direct manipulation variant –Sensitive point indicators through highlighting, shading, hover –Ability to navigate via hyperlinks Usability issues –Lack of clear UI definition, navigation

12 WIMP The current “default” direct manipulation interface across applications and platforms “Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers” “Windows, Icons, Mouse, Pull-down menus” Each interaction type has advantages and disadvantages A combination may be employed

13 Different visual designs

14 Activity: Evaluate the 3 visual designs on the previous slide Identify the type of interaction styles in the 3 figures Who are the intended users of each of the styles? Assess the value of icons, text, and other cues in each design