This week we will look at examples of best practices in UX with a focus on how to meet user expectations. A lot of this comes down to common sense and attention to detail. Be obvious in language and images. Users want to know what to do – so tell them and use language that is clear, concise and consistent across the experience. Be spare in the use of words and images so the path and intent is clear. Every image and word that you use should be critical to communicating or validating the intent.
User errors should obviously be avoided but in some cases will be inevitable. Error messages in particular need to be clear and concise as they happen at user stress points.
Feedback is essential. When a user takes an action your site or application should respond with a reaction. A non-response will confuse the user and lead to frustration and failure.
Our in-class assignment this week will be the redesign of an alarm clock radio
ASSIGNMENT
Bill Abrams, President of Trickle Up will be our guest next week. Please be prepared to share the concept sketches for the experience you have developed to communicate what it is like to live on a Dollar a Day.