I blog just to share my ideas…that to in a very generic way...
But I thought I should write more into details about my previous post…as one anonymous reader has pointed out…
I guess the idea quoted in the previous posting is not unique…it’s just that I realize a system exists…it will be a huge topic to debate and research…but if I have understood correctly Jesse James Garrett “Elements of User Experience” also in a way states these factors…though he believes its in layers while I believe they are equal and effect each other more strongly…
But someone in the field of UI may (I hope) accept my argument that these are related and I explain this with an example…
Let’s look at various perspectives…
Suppose we start with finding the commands required…and arrange in a logical sequence (information Design)…how many commands are required…which ones are more important >> how many commands we need to add will define the interaction…can all commands be presented to user… >> UI elements are decided by what function each command performs…where it is placed…either all buttons or drop down or mixed >> also the visuals…whether all are in one row or in multiple rows…what icons are required…how many and how to make them different from already existing ones but yet should look like a part of the family…does it starts to dominate the other commands >> Usability consideration would be…are all the icons understood by user…is the terminology of the command correct…are the buttons spaces correct…is the interaction or UI elements fit into the metaphor of existing tools/commands…
So the ‘Experience’ of using that tool bar would come as combined effort of all these factors and not one…if the icon is not properly understood then…even if it is beautifully designed will spoil the experience…or if it is usable but doesn’t look good then also the Experience will suffer…again if the information architecture is not perfect usability will suffer and even a good icon wouldn’t bring the experience…
If we find that there is not enough space for 8 commands, only 5 can be presented…then we have to either think of new interaction model or UI elements or change the information architecture…may be break the tool bar into 2…if they change the visual design would also change and hence the Usability experts again have to evaluate the new design…
This is huge topic to write…but I strongly believe a good design is one which takes care of if not all then MOST parameters…and that’s the key to USER EXPERIENCE…
I would appreciate if readers could mention their names while posting comments…
Thanks & cheers…
© Abhishek Kumar, 2005
2 comments:
Hi roorkie,
read ur previous post (& comments that the anonymous person wrote) , and also ur current post.
Probably the anonymous person meant the idea that you are suggesting is not unique. Infact its wat every user experience Specialist or Wannabes are claiming to concentrate on and talk about.
I have also read Jesse james Garrets model and a dozen others. I think that User experience elements are highly context based and unlike "equally and effect each other more strongly" (as quoted by you). His mention of layers has a basis behind it. Do u mean to say that a device for a blind man will require equal importance with respect to the graphics attached to it. ??? i think not. Ask a management person take on what you saying regarding User Experience. Do u think he will be agreeing you.
Anyways as u are finally saying its a huge field with lots of parameters coming in to the picture. Think you were noting down ur thoughts/understanding regarding the topic rather than saying anything new. Anyways its good to read ur posts and ur staunch support for usability.
Seriously speaking would love to read something(out of the box) for a change (out of the realm of usability) :-). Would like to read about spaces and its metaphors since u also have architecture bg. right. i am guessing since this might also help u get other perspective regarding User Experience.
wow nice to get views from such usability/design gurus...thanks gaurang... :) for writing in...
I never claimed that the idea is unique...and i have no intensions of doing that. I believe its a 'safe way' to say that design or user experience is context based...(tell me what is not?)...and I was not talking about 'Accessibility' issues...and this blog is not for managers...(like you say...this blog also has a 'context'... ;)
but as designers its always nice to reflect on what you do...if you have read Gesse...he talks of layers...one leads to another...one decision defines the path in the next...and you can also shuffle...things similar to that...and yes what he says has a reason behind it…and I have also tried to reflect on the linkages of these factors.
as I mentioned earlier...these are not in layers but in space - 'directly and indirectly effecting the other'...and yes its not a research paper...if I write one then a blog would not be the medium to express it... :)
But if you are looking for 'architecture' related articles then...sorry buddy this is not the write blog...but looking at user experience through architecture...
nothing 'new' either...because the basic elements won't change...but as you said the CONTEXT in architecture is different from a computer...the need, sense of space and approach is different...but certainly there can be some borrowing of metaphors, representations, patterns, etc etc...
Thanks & Cheers
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