CO2401: Software Development
Lecture 18
User Interface Design (UID)
1. What is UID?
o Definition: User Interface Design is the process of creating
interfaces in software with a focus on looks and style. It is the
communication between users and a product to perform tasks that
achieve user goals.
o Key Qualities:
Simple: Easy to understand and use.
Natural: Mimics real-world interactions.
Friendly: User-centric and intuitive.
Goal-Oriented: Focuses on achieving the user’s objectives.
2. Challenges:
o Communication via technology can often be unnatural, using
technical language and focusing more on how the code works rather
than user experience.
UID Principles
1. UI is Communication
o Key Idea: Start with understanding what you need to communicate
to users, letting this guide the design process.
o Effective Communication: Evaluate every UI element by what it
communicates and how effectively it does that job. The UI should
engage users at a human level, not just a technical one.
2. Politeness and Respect:
o User-Centric Design: Remember that users are human, not
robots. They are emotional, in a hurry, and prone to mistakes.
Design should be intelligent and respectful, accommodating these
human traits.
UID Approaches
1. Designing with User Research Data
Lecture 18
User Interface Design (UID)
1. What is UID?
o Definition: User Interface Design is the process of creating
interfaces in software with a focus on looks and style. It is the
communication between users and a product to perform tasks that
achieve user goals.
o Key Qualities:
Simple: Easy to understand and use.
Natural: Mimics real-world interactions.
Friendly: User-centric and intuitive.
Goal-Oriented: Focuses on achieving the user’s objectives.
2. Challenges:
o Communication via technology can often be unnatural, using
technical language and focusing more on how the code works rather
than user experience.
UID Principles
1. UI is Communication
o Key Idea: Start with understanding what you need to communicate
to users, letting this guide the design process.
o Effective Communication: Evaluate every UI element by what it
communicates and how effectively it does that job. The UI should
engage users at a human level, not just a technical one.
2. Politeness and Respect:
o User-Centric Design: Remember that users are human, not
robots. They are emotional, in a hurry, and prone to mistakes.
Design should be intelligent and respectful, accommodating these
human traits.
UID Approaches
1. Designing with User Research Data
