When designing an interface for something , you need to take in to account how easy it is for the user to read and interact with, this is the useability. It needs to be accessible for a start, for example The loading screens cant be too long or people will get impatient. Another large factor could be for people with a disability, you need to make sure as a designer that it is easy enough to use for all people in the age group you are aiming for and for people with disabilities like dyslexia etc. You need to analyse your audience. Below is an example of a useable interface. This is facebook's home screen before you log in. It is very clear on how to sign up if you are new to the site and also very simple.
You aslo need to look at how people use websites and apps, and get people to test whatever you are making to see how it can be improved and what can be changed. This is called User testing. Not everyone will use a website in the same way, when carrying out user testing you could be suprised with how some people use your designs. This is very helpfull to a designer, as it helps them see how different people use there interface and how they navigate.
You don't want people to think too hard either. The interface needs to be readable and not complex. People need to be able to easily understand what to do and when to do it. You need to have a useable design and need to accept that people won't read lengthy instructions. You cannot overcomplicate text or design. Tumblr is a good example of readable website that manages to stay simple without looking bad.
Navigation should be straight forward and easy. The menu bar should never move around as it is confusing and frustrating for people having to keep looking for it. The menu should stay in one place and be clear and simple. Orientation is also important, for example highlighted menu items, breadcrumbs and headings. This makes the interface simple and understandable.
You need to make the interface obvious, for example if you are making a website you shouldn't put the navigation bar at the footer of every page, as this will frustrate and confuse people, and they will leave the site. Another example would be having a 'Home' button that goes to a picture of a house instead of the home page, it should be obvious whats what.
You aslo need to look at how people use websites and apps, and get people to test whatever you are making to see how it can be improved and what can be changed. This is called User testing. Not everyone will use a website in the same way, when carrying out user testing you could be suprised with how some people use your designs. This is very helpfull to a designer, as it helps them see how different people use there interface and how they navigate.
You don't want people to think too hard either. The interface needs to be readable and not complex. People need to be able to easily understand what to do and when to do it. You need to have a useable design and need to accept that people won't read lengthy instructions. You cannot overcomplicate text or design. Tumblr is a good example of readable website that manages to stay simple without looking bad.
Navigation should be straight forward and easy. The menu bar should never move around as it is confusing and frustrating for people having to keep looking for it. The menu should stay in one place and be clear and simple. Orientation is also important, for example highlighted menu items, breadcrumbs and headings. This makes the interface simple and understandable.
You need to make the interface obvious, for example if you are making a website you shouldn't put the navigation bar at the footer of every page, as this will frustrate and confuse people, and they will leave the site. Another example would be having a 'Home' button that goes to a picture of a house instead of the home page, it should be obvious whats what.
