User interface design, as the name suggests, refers to the creation of a model of a
Like any other process, following a step-by-step procedure is essential while designing an interface. The design process can be iterative, but it is necessary to linearly follow the steps explained below:
Before jumping straight to the implementation, it is necessary to document the required functionality first. Gathering the requirements will help develop a clear view of what must be done.
This step starts with a conversation with the client to know the basics of what they want from the product. Later, in-depth interviews are conducted to dig deeper into detailed requirements. The requirements gathered from here may include business requirements, in addition to design requirements.
A user-centered design cannot be implemented unless we get to know the users. Therefore, this phase in the design process is crucial to extracting information about potential users. The designer must conduct diligent research to understand the users and their needs. For this, the designer can use information-gathering techniques like interviews and questionnaires.
Another technique for determining the actual and potential users is user profiling. User profiles describe the users and their characteristics in terms of interface design. This information is then used to establish user needs around which the interface design will be shaped.
In this step, the main tasks to be performed using the interface must be observed and evaluated. This process should be done in the context of the environment where the interaction will be carried out. The contextual task analysis will help the designer generate essential user-centered design guidelines.
Contextual task analysis aims to construct an interface design that supports the users’ work tasks. It involves interviews and observations of the users performing the tasks in their natural environment. It is also essential to study the physical and sociocultural environment of the job context. The data collected from the observations is analyzed and used to extract design requirements.
This step is where the designer finally implements the design according to the requirements gathered in the previous stages. The implementation can be subdivided into further stages like visual design, navigation design, and documentation of screen design standards.
The detailed design is then carried out. The designer implements the windows, dialog boxes, navigation, and all other elements that make up the user interface. It's vital to make the design aesthetically pleasing and maximize the usability and user experience.
Before deploying the final product, it is crucial to test it out. Testing an interface design may include, but is not limited to, usability and user testing.
Testing is conducted using prototypes that are simulations of the final interface design. These prototypes are presented to end-users and clients, who perform actions on them and evaluate them. Improvements to the design are made as suggested, and it is deployed only after producing an acceptable result from iterative testing.
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