User interface design (UI) or user interface engineering is the design of user interfaces for machines and software, such as computers, home appliances, mobile devices, and other electronic devices, with the focus on maximizing the user experience.
Have you ever walked up to a building and looked at the door and not known whether you should push or pull the door to get in? Have you ever pulled on a door only to find out that it was a “push” door?” Have you ever looked at a website or a web application and said to yourself, “Now what?”
Do you remember the Dan Akroyd series of sketches on the original Saturday Night Live (SNL) where he played a character named "Leonard Pinth Garnell" and introduced us to various forms of BAD performances? Leonard Pinth-Garnell
We came across a default action on a travel website that made us think about "Bad Defaults" and why user interfaces need to have "Smart" defaults.
A while back when in a meeting with a client we were discussing the interactions of a system we were designing and one of our development leads spoke about an “Add/Edit” screen that can be used whenever the user wants to either add or edit their content.
ARGH. I really went nuts inside. Sure from a development perspective it might be a lot easier to use the same screen for both add and edit – it happens A LOT.
From the user’s perspective “add” and “edit” are two completely different actions. Each should have a uniquely designed interface!
It was a pleasure to work with you, as you and your team made this process a more pleasant experience for our team and the participants.
Karen Perry
I just want to tell you that I value people relations more than money. I remember how you were friendly and helpful not going against policies and contractual obligations at the same time, not using your power to make us feel stupid and small. It was a very rare and big experience for me. Really. I will always remember this.
Alex
The Usability People are all individuals that you can become friends with very easily. They have a lot of different interests and are a pleasure to work with. I was writing a PRD/MRD for a billing solution and worked with The Usability People in defining the user interface. They are receptive to ideas and are able to mold the user interface from an end-user's perspective. I really liked the idea of putting end-user photograph & short biography around the office to help understand the users
