Table of Contents

Contents

Preface xv

Acknowledgments        xvii

About the Author          xix

Introduction      xxv

CHAPTER 1    Brief Histories   1

CHAPTER 2    Concepts and Issues     17

CHAPTER 3    Making the Business Case        59

CHAPTER 4    Good Design    85

CHAPTER 5    How User Behave        113

CHAPTER 6    Analyzing Your Users   135

CHAPER 7      Designing a User Interface        163

CHAPTER 8    Designing a Web Site    197

CHAPTER 9    Usability           225

APPENDIX A Answers to Review Questions   253

APPENDIX B Recommended Reading            265

Glossary           267

References       273

Index    275

Promotional Information

User Interface Design for Mere Mortals takes the mystery out of designing effective interfaces for both desktop and web applications. It is recommended reading for designers and developers who want to provide users of their software with interfaces that are intuitive and easy-to-use. The key to any successful application lies in providing an interface that users not only enjoy interacting with but one which also saves time, eliminates frustration, and helps to get the job done[md]on time and with a minimum of effort. Readers will discover the secrets of good interface design by learning how users behave as well as by understanding the expectations that users have of different types of interfaces. A good interface is simple to use, has a consistent look and feel, and is easy to navigate around[md]the number of mouse clicks should be kept to a minimum.

Designers and developers who read User Interface Design for Mere Mortals will benefit from

• Gaining an appreciation of the differences in the “look and feel” of interfaces for a variety of systems and platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Java, and other types of web programs
• Knowing how to “go about” designing and creating the most appropriate interface for the application or website being developed
• Becoming familiar with all the different components that make up an interface and the important role that each of those components plays in communicating with users 
• Understanding the business benefits that flow on from good interface design, with the most important benefit being significantly reduced support costs
• Taking onboard invaluable insights into how users behave, including the seven stages of human interaction with computers
• Working through an in-depth analysis of each of the stages involved in designing a user interface.
• Acquiring practical knowledge about the similarities and differences between designing websites and traditional desktop applications
• Learning how to define, conduct, and analyze usability testing

User Interface Design for Mere Mortals walks readers through each of the steps required to produce the most desirable interface for either a traditional desktop application or a website. Two major requirements must be met in order to deliver a solid, well-accepted interface. The first requirement is a thorough understanding of how humans interact with computers, and the second requirement is possessing the necessary design and programming skills for actually creating the interface. The good news is that User Interface Design for Mere Mortals provides the requisite knowledge, advice, and tips to help designers and developers meet those requirements.

About the Author

Eric Butow is the CEO of Butow Communications Group (BCG), a technical writing and Web design firm based in Roseville, California. Eric has authored or coauthored eight books since 2000, including Master Visually Windows 2000 Server, Teach Yourself Visually Windows 2000 Server, FrontPage 2002 Weekend Crash Course, C#:Your Visual Blueprint,Creating Web Pages Bible,Dreamweaver MX 2004 Savvy,The PDF Book for Microsoft Office,and Special Edition Using Microsoft Windows Vista. Eric has also been a technical editor for various computing books and has written articles for international publications including SD Times and Intercom, the magazine of the Society for Technical Communication. Eric is also an online course developer and instructor. He has developed two Windows XP networking courses--one for Windows XP Home Edition users and the other for Windows XP Professional users--for Ed2Go. Eric has also developed RoboHelp and Windows Vista multimedia courses for Virtual Training Company (VTC). In addition, he is a course developer and instructor for the California State University, Sacramento College of Continuing Education Technical Writing Certificate Program. When Eric isn't busy writing, teaching, or running his own business, you'll find him reading, hanging out with friends (usually at the nearest Starbucks or bookstore), or enjoying the company of his family at his parents' home in the Sierra foothills or the family vineyard in northern California.