user interface
I think we will be using menu-driven interfaces.
I found something on Smashing Magazine called "8 Characteristics of Successful User Interfaces"
It needs to be:
1. Clear
2. Concise
3. Familiar
4. Responsive
5. Consistent
6. Attractive
7. Efficient
8. Forgiving
I think number seven had some good points I need to think about for this project....
"A good interface should allow you to perform those functions faster and with less effort. Now, 'efficient' sounds like a fairly vague attribute -- if you combine all of the other things on this list, surely the interface will end up being efficient? Almost, but not quite. What you really really need to do to make an interface efficient is to figure out what exactly the user is trying to achieve, and then let them do exactly that without any fuss. You have to identify how your application should 'work' -- what functions does it need to have, what are the goals you're trying to achieve? Implement an interface that lets people easily accomplish what they want instead of simply implementing access to a list of features. "
Also, the clear and concise are one in the same really. If you can communicate clearly with less words, you do it, otherwise your page will be extra cluttered with instructions. Nobody likes reading paragraphs when they can read a few words and understand.
Also interesting that familiar is so important - I guess without thinking I had imagined using something that has been done before so that the user knows instinctively how to use it.
In the comments on this page someone has added a number 9 which they have defined as scalable/Flexible/ Maintainable and talks about how UI's are important that they can be flexible enough to keep up with changes in web and design, but this isn't really an issue for me and this project, which its interesting to know. Also number 8 was commented as being the only one which requires a lot of "back-end work", luckily this one I wont really need to worry about either - unless I want to show that in a pathway, but I wouldn't because it makes my interface seem hard to use!
The boys in class had some ideas about using tape, or a red line to follow on your phone.. I like these ideas but they seem hard to do in terms of the tape one on the ground. I have no idea how it might work at the moment, but surely it doesn't need to have something physical, and can entirely be an app. People should get an experience from your interface, but I think entirely phone based is the bed option. Everybody has there phones on them at all times, and if you are lost and need to get somewhere, that's the tool you are going to use.
Anyway, interesting stuff for now!
