The Fourth Function Is The Presentation Logic The Display Of

The Fourth Function Is The Presentation Logic The Display Of Inf

DQ9: The fourth function is the presentation logic: the display of information to the user and the acceptance of the user’s commands (the user interface). These four functions (data storage, data access logic, application logic, and presentation logic) are the basic building blocks of any information system. Explain the process of user interface design including the user interface structure and user interface standards? Give examples. Develop two use scenarios for a Web site that sells some retail products (e.g., books, music, clothes). Submit your screenshot of the layout here.

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Designing an effective user interface (UI) is a critical component in the development of any successful information system, especially for e-commerce platforms that rely heavily on user engagement and ease of navigation. The UI serves as the primary interaction point between the system and the user, transforming complex data and functionality into an intuitive, accessible, and aesthetically appealing interface. The process of UI design involves multiple stages, including user requirements analysis, conceptual design, detailed designing, implementation, and evaluation, following best practices and standards to ensure usability and accessibility.

Process of User Interface Design

The user interface design process begins with understanding the needs, expectations, and behaviors of the target users. This involves conducting user research through interviews, surveys, and usability testing to gather insights on users' preferences and frustrations. Based on this data, designers create personas and define user scenarios to guide the interface design. User requirements inform the structure and functionalities of the UI, aiming for simplicity and clarity.

Next, designers create wireframes and prototypes that outline the layout of key components such as navigation menus, search bars, product display sections, cart, and checkout processes. These prototypes help visualize the interface before development, allowing for user testing and iterative improvements. The process emphasizes usability heuristics, including consistency, feedback, error prevention, and ease of learning, to refine the UI design.

User Interface Structure

The UI structure refers to the layout organization of elements within the interface, which should facilitate intuitive navigation and quick access to crucial features. Typical structures include hierarchical menus, grid layouts for product displays, and logically grouped sections such as categories and filters. For example, a retail website may feature a top navigation bar with categories like 'Home,' 'Products,' 'About Us,' and 'Contact,' alongside a sidebar filter for price, brand, or reviews. The structure ensures that users can effortlessly locate and access information relevant to their shopping needs.

User Interface Standards

Standards in UI design promote consistency, accessibility, and usability across platforms. Common standards include adherence to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ensuring that content is accessible to users with disabilities. Visual consistency is maintained through uniform color schemes, fonts, and button styles, which help users familiarize themselves with interface elements and reduce cognitive load.

Furthermore, standards prescribe responsiveness for different devices, ensuring the website adapts seamlessly to desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Clear visual hierarchy, consistent terminology, and straightforward navigation are also vital standards that enhance user experience and trust.

Examples of UI Design Elements

An effective UI for an online retail site might feature prominently displayed search bars, clear call-to-action buttons like "Add to Cart" or "Buy Now," and breadcrumb navigation to provide context within the site. Visual cues such as icons, hover effects, and well-organized menus contribute to an engaging and user-friendly interface.

Use Scenarios for a Retail Website

Scenario 1: Browsing and Selecting Products

A user visits the website looking for a new pair of shoes. They start by navigating through the 'Clothes' category, then select 'Shoes.' Using filters such as size, color, and price, they narrow down options. The UI displays products in a grid layout accompanied by images, prices, and brief descriptions. The user clicks on a product to view detailed information, reviews, and options to add it to the cart. The interface provides smooth navigation, consistent visual cues, and easy access to shopping cart and checkout options.

Scenario 2: Completing a Purchase

After selecting products, the user proceeds to checkout. The UI guides them through inputting shipping information, selecting payment options, and reviewing their order. Clear instructions, progress indicators, and confirmation messages create a reassuring process. The layout emphasizes simplicity, with minimal distractions, ensuring a seamless transaction experience.

Note: Since the submission requires a screenshot of the website layout, please include an image showing the homepage or key interface parts demonstrating the design principles discussed.

References

  • Nielsen, J. (1994). Usability Engineering. Morgan Kaufmann.
  • Shneiderman, B., Plaisant, C., Cohen, M., Jacobs, S., & Elmqvist, N. (2016). Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction. Pearson.
  • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) (2021). W3C. https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/
  • Krug, S. (2014). Don't Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability. New Riders.
  • Garrett, J. J. (2010). The Elements of User Experience: User-Centered Design for the Web and Beyond. New Riders.
  • Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J. (2010). Universal Principles of Design. Rockport Publishers.
  • Norman, D. A. (2013). The Design of Everyday Things: Revised and Expanded Edition. Basic Books.
  • Hassenzahl, M. (2010). Experience Design: Technology for All the Right Reasons. Synthesis Lectures on Human-Centered Informatics.
  • Syzek, B. (2019). Principles of User Interface Design. Journal of Usability Studies, 14(2), 45–62.
  • ISO 9241-210:2010. Ergonomics of human-system interaction -- Human-centered design for interactive systems.

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