Lab 1: Animation for teaching

Lab 1: Animation for teachingThe Principle of ConsistencyBy Katherine WilcoxIST 526, Interactive Multimedia for Instruction, CSUMBProfessor Challenger & Dr. Lara

January 2014

This lesson looks at consistency as a principle of user interface design.

1Be ConsistentUse consistent locationsfor controls

Build upon user expectations

NextBackResetSubmit

The Consistency principle goes like this: Place information and controls in consistent locations in the user interface to establish and build upon user expectations.

When we talk about UI controls, were talking about buttons like Submit, Reset, Back, and Next.

2Name

Street Address

City, CountryResetSubmitSubmitJoA+ Ave.Anytown, USASubmit

For example, imagine youre on the web filling out a form. You type the information, then click Submit. Easy enough.3Favorite Color

Favorite Sport

Favorite TeamOrangeFootball (US)BroncosNextBackResetSubmitSubmitBackResetNextSubmitReset

SubmitResetNow imagine youre filing out a series of forms. Sometimes the Submit button is on the right, and sometimes its on the left. At best, you read each label carefully before clicking. At worst, you reset the form and have to start all over. On the other hand, if the controls were always in the same location even on different pages you have a better user experience.

4A YuleFrog Studios ProductionKaufmann, M. and Johnson, J. (2010). Designing with the mind in mind: Simple guide to understanding user interface design rules. Elsevier Inc., Burlington, MA. References

Rrrbbbit!5