Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
ratings may be based on consideration of the probability that the defect will be encountered along with its
expected impact.
Sample Heuristics. The following set of heuristics, although not exhaustive, is useful in its versatility of
application:
Does the design support the users' task flows?
Look at the sequence of steps necessary to complete a given task with the new product and determine
whether this sequence is efficient, effective, and clear, and whether it fits into the user's broader task flow.
Are metaphors appropriately used?
There are situations where an interface can be more easily understood by the use of a metaphor. By
resembling a commonplace system such as the controls on a tape deck, an interface's functionality
may be quickly ascertained (if the user is familiar with and recognizes the metaphor). Any metaphors
that have been used should be consistently and clearly suggested through the product's interface.
Areas where the metaphors break down should be carefully assessed to determine how to deal with
such concerns.
What is the hierarchical focus of attention in the display? Does it support completion of the alternative
goals that users may have when looking at that display?
Our eyes are drawn to animated areas of an interface or product display more readily than static areas.
Determine whether the use of motion or a flashing cursor helps users notice important state changes, or
whether it becomes a distraction to what is important. Size, font style, display format
layout, and color
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also have a big impact on the focus of attention.
Are the product's key functions and features salient?
Determine whether important features and functions are visibly presented. Many users prefer to see
“up-front” the set of functions that are available to them. Important features and functions buried
deep in an interface structure may go unrecognized. Users should be able to understand the functions
afforded by the product interface through a quick visual scan of the interface.
Do the labels and icons for buttons, menu items, etc. clearly indicate their meanings, telling the user what
action will be performed or what information will be accessed if that item is selected?
Whether a graphical or textual label, it is important that this label clearly indicate its meaning. In many
cases, if a graphic is used, it helps to include a text label along with the graphic or icon.
Are external memory aids provided to help the user remember what actions to take or to remember what
steps in some process have already been completed?
Knowledge and information can be stored in the head or in the world (Norman, 2002). While access to
knowledge in the head can be very efficient, that assumes that the person has committed it to memory,
and will be able to retrieve it at the right time. Often, by showing critical information within some
display, this memory load can be reduced, making it easier for the person to remember how to
perform various functions with the product.
When information is presented as text, has it been organized using subheadings as advance organizers, thus
structuring the content to make it easy for the user to scan for specific information?
The use of subheadings and bulleted lists both make it easier for the user to scan text and to identify
those portions that are relevant to his or her interests. Subheadings further serve to inform the user about
the topic of the associated content, making it easier for the reader to quickly and accurately interpret that
content as the details are read (Bransford and Johnson, 1972).
Are the relationships among associated controls and displays indicated through some form of functional
grouping?
There are often relationships among information displays and controls based on specific tasks or
subtasks that users need to perform. When tasks create such functional relationships, they should be
supported by grouping or integrating the displays (Wickens et al., 2004), clearly indicating this
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