WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Designing intuitive and effective user interfaces is both science and art. During this course, participants will learn how to apply research-based and field-tested Web and application design principles and methodologies.
Initially they will focus on the four foundational layers of the interface: Navigation, Presentation, Content, and
Interaction. Participants will then be provided with the framework and methodology needed to support rapid prototyping initiatives. Finally, they will extend their sphere of influence through the application of accessibility and cross cultural design methods.
What you’ll learn
How to implement user-centered requirements into usable designs
How to integrate the focal points of design: Navigation, Presentation, Content, and Interaction
How Web site and application design strategies differ and overlap h
AUDIENCE
Those involved in the design and development of e-commerce, sites, informational and promotional sites, intranets, and applications
METHODOLOGY
A comprehensive student manual
Workbook and Resource Guide that contains:
o Course exercises o User interface control selection guide o Glossary with annotations and illustrations o Quick reference job aids
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this program, participants should be able to :
Identify, select, and implement appropriate navigation models used to build intuitive navigation structures
Course Outline :: THE SCIENCE AND ART OF EFFECTIVE WEB AND APPLICATION DESIGN ::
Make better decisions and recommendations to improve visual design, including: layout, color, graphics and icons, and text
Implement effective usability-based content organization and treatment methods
Ensure intuitive interaction through appropriate UI control selection and error and feedback design
Increase design efficiency using Web and application standards
Extend their UCD sphere of influence into the domains of user experience, accessibility, and cross-cultural design
Module 1 - Design is Science and Art
Scientific models in user-centered design (UCD)
Definition of UCD
Exercise: Designing for functional requirements
Characteristics of usable designs
UCD Benefits
Exercise: Conduct a design heuristic evaluation
Module 2 - Navigation
Characteristics of usable navigation
Primary navigation systems o Hierarchical models o Persistent design systems o Sequential navigation o Search
Supplemental navigation o Index o Breadcrumbs o Quick links
Multiple systems navigation design
Exercise: Select appropriate navigation models
Module 3 - Presentation
Visual-cognitive processing o Eye movement and eye tracking o Gestalt principles of visual design
Course Outline :: THE SCIENCE AND ART OF EFFECTIVE WEB AND APPLICATION DESIGN ::
Layout
Exercise: Evaluate and redesign a cluttered screen
Color
Graphics
Text
Module 4 - Content
Printed vs. digital content
Writing for clarity o Writing style o Word choice o Mechanics
Methods that facilitate scanning o Writers’ pyramid o Headings, bulleted and numbered lists
Exercise: Sharpen writing skills
Module 5 - Interaction
Factors that influence interaction design
User interface controls o Data entry and selection o Navigation and action o Multi-function controls
Exercise: Selecting appropriate UI Controls
Error handling and prevention
Feedback
Exercise: Design an effective feedback message
Module 6 - Screen Elements and Wireframing
Screen elements
Wireframing o Low fidelity o High-fidelity
Effective prototyping strategies
Course Outline :: THE SCIENCE AND ART OF EFFECTIVE WEB AND APPLICATION DESIGN ::
Exercise: Build a paper wireframe
Module 7 - Accessibility
Why design for accessibility
Types of disabilities o Vision o Hearing o Motor o Cognitive
Assistive technologies
Accessibility laws
Accessibility guidelines o Section 508 Guidelines o Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.0) o Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI)
Evaluating for accessibility
Exercise: Conduct a site review for accessibility
Module 8 - Internationalization
Internationalization and Localization
Multicultural considerations
Internationalization design process and usability testing
Module 9 - Beyond Design Knowledge
Barriers to implementing UCD practices
UCD practitioners’ knowledge, skills, and abilities
Academic training and HFI certification
UCD and HCI professional organizations
Programme scope, delivery arrangements and suitability are confirmed during enquiry.