Keep it simple.- The small details are extremely important.
- Using distinct contrast – in color, or value (light/dark) – is the best way to call attention to what’s most important.
- Understand that one size does not fit all. What seems intuitive to one might not seem intuitive to another, for various reasons.
- Understand that, no matter what you do, people will still make mistakes or use it in inappropriate ways.
- Beware of the special knowledge set you’ve acquired because you are a designer. Most users won’t have that knowledge set. Be careful not to assume that they do. Don’t design it for yourself. Think like someone who’s never seen the product before.
- Use elemental affordances (basic forms that we learn to use at an early age, e.g., “a knob is for turning”; “a button is for pushing”).
- Stress will always have an impact on cognitive function. Products used in stressful situations must be that much more simple/intuitive.
- Adhere to users’ expectations (use elemental affordances).
- Evaluate how your design might be perceived by a younger or older generation. Will they be familiar with the design cues you’ve provided that tell them how to use it?
- The design itself isn’t intuitive. It’s whether the person using it feels it’s intuitive.
Tips for Intuitive Design
SUMMARY VOLUME , NUMBER
Keep it simple. The small details are extremely important. Using distinct contrast – in color, or value (light/dark) – is the best way to call attention to what’s most important. Understand that one size does not fit all. What seems intuitive to one might not seem intuitive to another, for various reasons. Understand that, no […]
