User Interface Design for Mere Mortals™

User Interface Design for Mere Mortals takes the mystery out of designing effective interfaces for both desktop and web applications. It is recommended reading for anyone who wants to provide users of their software with interfaces that are intuitive and easy-to-use. The key to any successful application lies in providing an interface users not only enjoy interacting with but which also saves time, eliminates frustration, and gets the job done with a minimum of effort. Readers will discover the secrets of good interface design by learning how users behave and the expectations that users have of different types of interfaces.

Anyone who reads User Interface Design for Mere Mortals will benefit from

• Gaining an appreciation of the differences in the “look and feel” of interfaces for a variety of systems and platforms

• Learning how to go about designing and creating the most appropriate interface for the application or website being developed

• Becoming familiar with all the different components that make up an interface and the important role that each of those components plays in communicating with users

• Understanding the business benefits that flow from good interface design such as significantly reduced support costs

• Gaining invaluable insights into how users behave, including the seven stages of human interaction with computers

• Working through case study based, in-depth analysis of each of the stages involved in designing a user interface

• Acquiring practical knowledge about the similarities and differences between designing websites and traditional desktop applications

• Learning how to define, conduct, and analyze usability testing

Through the use of the proven For Mere Mortals format, User Interface Design for Mere Mortals succeeds in parting the veil of mystery surrounding effective user interface design. Whatever your background, the For Mere Mortals format makes the information easily accessible and usable.

Contents

Preface

Introduction    
CHAPTER 1    Brief Histories  
CHAPTER 2    Concepts and Issues    
CHAPTER 3    Making the Business Case      
CHAPTER 4    Good Design 
CHAPTER 5    How User Behave       
CHAPTER 6    Analyzing Your Users  
CHAPTER 7    Designing a User Interface       
CHAPTER 8    Designing a Web Site   
CHAPTER 9    Usability          
APPENDIX A Answers to Review Questions  
APPENDIX B Recommended Reading           
Glossary         
References      
Index