Important design principles for the creation of user interfaces

This research focuses on important aspects for the theoretical design of a user interface. Meeting the needs of the user is often a challenge for the developer since it is necessary to get a point of view from the user. Besides the technological development process it is important to create a user interface in theory to avoid spending time and costs for improvements and further development after the release of the software or the device. The purpose of the study is to create an understanding for important criteria for designing a user interface. These criteria are required to meet the needs of an effective human-machine communication. This study is performed with the help of a qualitative approach. The collected information in the theoretical part will be supported from the data of the empirical part. This research wants to present an investigation about attitudes which are important for the user of a user interface. The study will point out important aspects from the field of Human-Computer Interaction. Human-Computer interaction can be seen as a part of informatics and mainly treats issues regarding to the communication between humans and the computer. Furthermore, Usability Engineering is a part of this study. Within this field, points of how to ensure the usability of software or a device are mentioned. As last area, Graphic Interface Design is in focus. Graphic Interface Design affects the creation of a user interface as well as the consideration of already given theories about Human-Computer Interaction. Within this area, aspects for the design of a user interface and their attitudes are discussed. The result of this research will be presented in text form by answering the research question ‘What design principles are important to use when designing a good user interface’. Within the study it will be shown that the user itself is one of the most important factors when designing a user interface. Given standards and theories allow getting a perspective from the user. But also hardware aspects must be considered when designing a user interface for a specific device. It also will be shown that nevertheless the technological development processes within the information technology, fundamental design principles of Human-Computer interaction are still important.Program: Kandidatutbildning i informati