designing interactions downloadable pdf doc
DESCRIPTION
The power of interactions and how to design positive user experiences.TRANSCRIPT
I Interact, Therefore I Am by Connie Malamed
Modified presentation given to the Society of News Design, September 2010
What’s Ahead
The Power of Interaction
Creating Positive Experiences
Thinking About Design
THE POWER OF INTERACTION
Interactivity involves a two-way
exchange of engagement and
response. It is immediate and in
real-time.
When users take action, it helps to make information
meaningful
Social experiences:
• Comments
• Discussion
• Sharing
Layered content:
• Nonlinear access to information
• Access to information at different levels
• Control of information flow
What does interactivity offer users?
Learning opportunities to:
• Build a foundation
• Construct meaning
• Restructure knowledge
Ways to explore:
• Creating new ways of thinking
• Problem-solving
• Gaining insights
What does interactivity offer users?
Advantages To Designers
For designers, interactivity offers ways to:
• Expand a story’s breadth and depth
• Visualize data in unique ways
• Get users involved and engaged
• Add multimedia elements
• Limit design tradeoffs
Some cognitive scientists say that simple interactions with the world can dramatically improve cognitive performance.
Two examples follow ...
Speech gestures show the body is intimately tied up with thinking
We use gestures to conceptually plan and produce speech. Gesturing lightens our cognitive load, showing the deep connection between mind and body.
Our brain extends to the tools
we use
When we use an input device, we integrate this sensory information into a representation of the
current state of the body. The sense of our body extends to our tools.
Embodied cognition
We are inseparably linked to the
experiences of having a body located in a 3D
world. Interaction is not just for doing things but for
understanding things.
CREATING POSITIVE
EXPERIENCES
What complaints do you hear?
People complain when they can’t figure out how to use a website or software products.
What kind of complaints do you hear?
Here are some common ones …
Understanding mental models can help stop the complaints!
This doesn’t do what it’s
supposed to do.
I’m not sure what to do.
I keep getting errors.
How do I get back to the
first screen?
What does it mean? I don’t understand.
This doesn’t have the
information I want.
A mental model is a representation
of something in the real world that
we use to predict or explain behavior.
Mental models are based on:
• Prior experience with something similar
• What you’ve read or heard
• Direct experience
How are mental models built?
I heard a lecturer say that our mental models are like a subway map, because of their minimal amount of detail.
User’s Mental Model
Mental models are:
• Unstable
• Subject to change
• Able to get revised
• Simpler than reality
Mental models define how we approach problems and solve them.
Conceptual or Design Model
There’s another kind of model that’s important. It’s how the designer represents
the program to the user through the interface. It’s known as the Conceptual or Design Model.
When the conceptual model of the system is close to matching the user’s mental model, an
interaction is considered easier to use.
Conceptual Model User’s Mental Model
=
When the conceptual model of the system doesn’t come close to matching the user’s
mental model, users make errors and feel frustrated.
Conceptual Model User’s Mental Model
=
This doesn’t mean you can’t innovate and try something new!
If you do innovate:
• Make sure it’s a good fit for your audience and
content.
• Provide excellent but simple user
instructions.
Make sure your designs are usable!
Usability
“The effectiveness, efficiency and
satisfaction with which specified
users achieve specified goals in a
particular environment.” ---ISO, 1998
Usability
“Usability is composed of the
learnability, retainability, efficiency
of use, and user satisfaction of a
product.” ---Cosantine and Lockwood, 1999
Usability
“DON’T MAKE ME THINK!” ---Steve Krug, 2005
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This well-received interaction from the Washington Post used the conceptual model of a form. One reason it may have been successful is because most people are familiar with forms.
THINKING ABOUT DESIGN
CONCEPTUAL VISUAL
BEHAVIORAL
Think through
these three dimensions of
interactive design.
The Conceptual Dimension
1. Define the problem space thoroughly
2. Consider timing and pacing of information flow
3. Consider using metaphors from common objects in the environment
The Behavioral Dimension
1. Map out actions and reactions (you may want to use mind maps for this)
2. Provide feedback for every action the user takes, in the form of a change on the screen
3. Consider whether interactions will allow for discovery or will be locked
The Visual Dimension
1. Consider whether the user interface will be visible from the start or whether users will
need to find it (visible is generally best)
2. Consider where the user interface will be positioned (group elements to show relationships)
3. Keep the user interface consistent throughout the interaction
Key Points
• Interactivity can improve cognitive performance
• Align the conceptual model of your interface with the user’s mental model
• Organize design around conceptual, behavioral and visual considerations
For More …
Book: Visual Language For Designers
Graphics Blog: understandinggraphics.com
eLearning Blog: theelearningcoach.com
Twitter: @cmalamed
FB: www.facebook.com/understandgraphics
Biz Site: malamedconsulting.com