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| DOS OS interface |
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| Graphical Interface of Windows OS |
Design discipline
which deals with development of interaction between the user and the product is
Interaction design. When it is for a digital product it is ‘Human Computer
Interaction’ (HCI). As new technologies were invented, those were efficient to
perform new operations effortlessly. But what if the user does not understand
easily how to use it to get the work done? This is a case where the product is
‘Operational’ but not ‘Usable’. Those who have used operating system DOS will
understand this point well. Though the hardware of the computer system was good
at performing several operations using it was not that easy. One had to
remember the sequence of commands to do simple tasks like finding a file saved
in hard drive. Those were the days when only those who had to use computers for
office tasks were using it. But graphical interface introduced by windows
changed the picture. This interface was much more easy to use. By clicking on
few icons one was able to find the saved file now as against the DOS. This
enabled penetration of computer usage in day to day life. While reading this
you must have already recollected few examples where you had struggled to do
your task using certain product. For me it’s the microwave oven. Control panel
crowded with number of buttons gave no clue about how to defrost my food in it.
UX design team
studies and analyses user needs, expectations, context in which product will be
used, competition products, technology used etc. and comes up with a strategy
for better interaction between product and user. Interface design team takes it
further to develop, test and implement the interface. Mostly it’s visual
interface as of now. In future we should expect it to next levels using
advanced technologies like augmented reality, artificial intelligence. Graphic
and text is used to create the interface. Achieving balance between aesthetics
and usability of the interface is the key.
Let’s see roles of
web designer, Information architect, Content strategist, Technical writer in
digital interactions in next post.
Some useful links
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