Modules

Syllabus

Project


Module 5

Physical Design & Human Factors

Objectives

  1. Explain how Gestalt principles apply to good visual design of user interfaces
  2. Use Visual Structure to Reinforce Logical Structure
  3. Choose the appropriate interface for a given application
  4. Produce and justify a Physical Design for your project

Topics

  1. Visual Grouping
  2. Gestalt Principles: Proximity, Similarity, Common Fate, Closure
  3. Physical Design
  4. Widgets
  5. Layout

Readings

1. Text Chapter 6
2. Text Chapter 11 (again)
3. Jeff Pierce at GA Tech's Visual Structure slides
4. John Stasko at GA Tech's Physical Design slides
5. More John Stasko at GA Tech's Physical Design slides
6. Interface Hall of Shame
7. Patrizia Nanni's thesis contains more depth on physical design
8. Login glitches
9. More Login glitches

Assignment

1. (1 point) (INDIVIDUAL) List as many widgets on the Windows Interface as you can

2. (2 points) Following the scenario(s) and essential use cases in your design, create a prototype for your application. Do this as a combination of a horizontal prototype and a vertical prototype. This is a single prototype that include both a horizontal and a vertical aspect. The horizontal aspect (at least 1 screen) shows, at a top level, all tasks. Your vertical prototype aspect will show enough screens to complete a task. Keep in mind Neilsen's, Schneiderman's, & Tognazzini's detailed design list as well as the physical design aspects discussed in class and in the reading. This is Prototype 0.

3. (1 point) In one or two paragraphs, describe the purpose of your site, its overall structure, and the task you have chosen for your vertical prototype.

4. (1 point) Create a navigation chart that shows the content title for each screen. Describe the chart in words and explain the task you have chosen to prototype. Explain how your detailed design relates to your conceptual design.