Human Factors And Design: A Recent Example

Human Factors And Designthink Of A Recent Example Where You Have Had D

Describe a recent occasion where you experienced difficulty using a website or technology, or assist someone else with such a challenge. Include details about the site or technology, explain why it was difficult to use—consider aspects like ergonomics, human behavior, or universal usability—and discuss how you overcame the difficulty. Identify a design change that could have improved usability, focusing on one of the three challenges to universal usability. Referencing Shneiderman, suggest interface and information design practices to address these challenges.

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In an increasingly digital world, user-friendly interfaces are crucial to ensure accessibility and ease of use across diverse populations. My recent experience with a government online tax filing portal exemplifies the challenges faced by users due to flawed design choices rooted in human factors and usability principles. This case study not only illustrates specific issues encountered but also explores potential design improvements informed by Shneiderman’s principles for universal usability.

The site in question was the official tax filing portal for my country, which, despite being a critical service, presented significant usability challenges. The primary difficulties stemmed from an overly complex navigation structure, inconsistent layout, and a lack of clear instructions, highlighting issues related to cognitive load and ergonomic design. The interface mandated numerous steps to complete the process, often requiring users to remember information across multiple pages, thereby increasing mental effort and risk of error. The font size and color schemes also contributed to accessibility barriers, especially for users with visual impairments, underscoring deficiencies in universal design practices.

These issues were exacerbated by the tendency of the site to utilize technical jargon and ambiguous labels, which compromised intuitive understanding and created confusion for users unfamiliar with the tax filing process. As a result, I initially struggled to locate the correct forms and feared making mistakes that could delay processing. To overcome this, I relied on external resources such as official help guides and community forums, which provided step-by-step instructions and clarifications. However, this workaround was inefficient and highlighted systemic flaws in the interface’s usability.

A fundamental redesign change that could improve this site's usability revolves around simplifying the navigation flow. Implementing a clear, linear process with progressive disclosure of information—only revealing necessary details on each step—would reduce cognitive overload. Additionally, adopting consistent visual cues and standardized labels could enhance comprehension and reduce user errors. Improving accessibility features, such as adjustable font size and high-contrast modes, would also make the portal more inclusive. These adjustments address the challenge of universal accessibility by ensuring that users of diverse abilities can navigate the system effectively.

According to Shneiderman's principles, addressing usability challenges requires robust interface and information design practices. Specifically, the principle of "consistent and natural mappings" ensures that controls align logically with their functions, reducing confusion. Using "visual hierarchy" can help prioritize information, guiding users seamlessly through tasks. Providing immediate and clear feedback—such as confirmation messages or progress indicators—helps users understand when they have completed a step correctly, thus reducing anxiety and errors. Moreover, designing for error prevention and recovery, such as input validation and easy correction options, enhances user confidence. For individuals with diverse abilities, including features like screen reader compatibility and adjustable display settings, adhere to universal design principles to maximize inclusivity.

In conclusion, the usability issues encountered on the tax portal underscore the importance of applying human factors principles in interface design. By simplifying navigation, enhancing clarity, and incorporating universal accessibility features, designers can create more inclusive digital environments. Shneiderman’s guidelines offer a comprehensive framework to address these challenges, emphasizing consistency, visual clarity, feedback, and error management. As digital services become more integral to everyday life, prioritizing human-centered design will ensure that technology serves all users effectively, efficiently, and satisfactorily.

References

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