by David LeMieux
In my on going research in Interaction development and UI design, I have come to the realization that UI should be a conversation. Donald Norman points out that in language we make errors all the time but that language usually provides ways around these errors; so much so that we may not even notice the errors in regular speech or writing at all. He also points out that most devices and electronically controlled experiences are not this way, they are not designed for error.
I think that Google tackles this problem very well, they suggest a different search query if the one you gave was badly spelled or written, they also are able to distinguish things like an apple (the fruit) from Apple, Inc. (the computer company). You type in what you are looking for and their software can interpret your intentions.
I think it should be every good designers' goal to do at least plan for similar interaction with the user. We need to treat design like a conversation. I realize that I am not breaking any ground by saying this, in fact, I know it has been said many times before. But having just had that "Ah-ha!" moment myself, I thought I would let the rest of you know that I am finding my way.
As an exercise, I am going to write a script of a website I am building. Write it out like a play. One character is the user, the other my design. How do they interact? What kind of relationship do they have? How do those relationships change when other variables are in place? Maybe designers should also be required to take creative writing classes, to learn how to imagine conversation and relationships in a more literal sense.
As always, I finish by saying "but what do I know?" I just like to get my ideas out there, no matter how ill conceived they are. Thanks for letting me babble.