User Interface (GUI) Design

The design of the user interface of a website or software application is of utmost importance for the success of the product. Listed below are some principles for creating functional user interfaces. For more information, check out Steve Krug’s book “Don’t Make Me Think”. It is an excellent guide to creating effective graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

Human Computer Interaction | Usability Testing

There are generally three categories of user interfaces: small screens (mobile devices), desktop screens, and large screens (aka 10-foot user interface).

The following is a useful link when working with GUI design: Nielson’s GUI Suggestions

Examples of Bad User Interface Design

Amtrak takes us down the wrong track

The following are a series of screen-shots of an actual experience on Amtrak.com. Here’s the first part where they appologize for their system not working:

Then they tell me this is all my fault because I used my “back” button in the web browser instead of their “submit” button:

Then a confusing security warning:

More errors, this time because I didn’t apply the discount before I updated the price. Duh!

User Interface Mock-up Software

Berkeley Institute of Design
Design Criteria
Seagull’s Criteria for Good Design (coming soon)
Apple’s User Interface Guidelines