Elements of Interface Design

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count and the first ... a visitor receives whenthey arrive at a site is the look or visual appeal of the design.
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Ju First impressions count and the first impression a visitor receives whenthey arrive at a site is the look or visual appeal of the design. Thevisual design of a site is referred to as the interface.
Judging a Website by it's interface design is similar to judging a book by its coveror judging a person by their looks. It may not be logical but it istypical human nature.Outward appearance presents the image and professionalism of the sitecompany or owner and it can affect the comfort level of the visitor.Interface design consists of specific elements, all or some of which areused regularly in the creation of a site's "face".
Knowing what theseelements are, and how to use them well, will assist you in yourInterfacing.1) Say It With Symbols. Symbolism is used often in interface design inthe form of icons or graphics.
That first impression must be madequickly before the site visitor clicks away and without a voice, a Website relies on imagery for representation. Services, product or contentcan be splashed on the screen as a grabber or colours, fonts and imagescan present an online presence, whether professional or playful.Symbolism can be metaphoric, abstract or conceptual and is a powerfulvisual aid to a site visitor.2) Keep It Uncluttered.
Every feature of the interface should be obviousto the visitor and should be used based on need, otherwise it becomesclutter. A font that is hard to read, graphics that look like buttonsbut are not linked, text that is underlined as headings are elementsthat do not perform their purpose.
To avoid confusion, design usingfeatures that are needed to present the image you are working towardsand that assist in the navigation of your site while flattering theinterface.3) Make Navigation Easy. Navigation often influences the interfacedesign more than most designers would like it to.
This important aspectmust be consistent and must be logical to the visitor. Consistentnavigation means that your menu is a part of your interface - it will beon each page.
This aspect of your design will be affected by thestructure you have chosen for the site. Good navigation design can beadded to as the site grows without negatively interfering with thedesign of the interface.4) Orientate Your Visitor.
Each new visitor to a site is like anexplorer. Without guidance in the form of headings, titles, links,brands and logos, they may not know where to go or where they arewithin the structure of the site.
The interface design must also includefeatures that orientate the visitor, especially if the site is large andhas many sections and sub-sections. The designer can maintain a feelingof familiarity with consistency in design, orientate the visitor withheadings and titles and can guide the visitor easily with clearnavigation.5) Stay Consistent.
Consistency, as I've mentioned, is very important inmany of the interface design elements as well as colour, font, andgraphics. When the interface changes, the visitor thinks they have leftthe site.
Confusion leads to bookmarks. Remember this.
When a sitevisitor feels uncomfortable, is confused or irritated by a Web site theyare two clicks away from a familiar site that is linked in theirbookmarks or favourites. Two clicks.Is there more? There is always more.
Designing Web sites is a challengeand requires skills, knowledge, experience and flexibility because bythe time you read this, the Internet and all its dimensions will haveimproved or changed, possibly enough to create a domino effect that willalter Interface design. However, the basics of Interface design remainthe same and include symbolism, clarity, navigation, structure,guidance and consistency.
Know the basic rules, become familiar withthem and then you can decide whether you are good enough to break them. Article Tags: Interface Design Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com .