Interactive Design

27/08/2023 - , Week 1-
Chai Wan Sin / 0363470
Interactive Design / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Lectures & Exercises

Lecture 1: Usability

Refers to the quality of a user's experience when interacting with products or systems, including websites, software, devices, or applications.
It is about effectiveness, efficiency and the overall satisfaction of the user.
Key principle of usability: Consistency, Simplicity, Visibility, Feedback, Error Prevention

A. Consistency :

It is important for both visual elements and functionality.
Ensuring the website looks coherent and works harmoniously across all its different elements, such as headers, footers, sidebars and navigation bars.
Having the same functions, styling, symbols, animations, etc. throughout your website will help the usability and learnability.

B. Simplicity :

Making it easy for visitor to understand, use, and interact with your website.
Helping people to find what they need quickly and interact with your business efficiently.
Simple sites remove all unnecessary elements from the design, content, and code.

C. Visibility :

The basic principle that the more visible element is, the more likely users will know about them and how to use them.

D. Feedback :

As the user interacts with your app or website, it's important to provide feedback, so they know what's happening.
If something goes wrong, it's crucial to provide clear and concise feedback, so the user knows how to fix it.
With clear and effective feedback, users will be able to navigate your app or website with ease and confidence.

E. Error Prevention :

It doesn't just involve alerting the users when an error has been made, but more importantly, makes it easier for the user to complete their intended task without making a mistake.

Common Usability Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them :

Lecture 2: Understanding Website Structure

Website Structure

The foundation of a user-friendly and accessible website.
It affects user experience SEO, and overall website performance.
It helps users to navigate sites and find the information that they are looking for.
Three key elements: Header, Body, Footer.

A. Header :

B. Body :

C. Footer :

The section of content at the very bottom of web page.
Containment: a copyright notice, link to a privacy policy, sitemap, logo, contact information, social media icons, and an email sign-up form.
It provides closure to the webpage and additional navigation options.

Organising Content

The key to a well-structured website.
Understanding your ideal customer and developing your website to meet their needs.
Using headings (H1, H2, H3, etc) to create a hierarchical structure.
Logical grouping of content and clear labelling of section.

Navigation Menu

A horizontal or vertical bar that can be found on every one of your website's landing pages.
Visitors can easily make their way around your website and get to where they want to go.
Using clear and concise labels for menu items.
Using dropdown menus for complex sites.

Lecture 3: The Web and Language

Web Standsards