Gui Design

  1. Website Building
  2. Gui Design

User Interface Design

When we browse and surf  in and between websites, we use the interface that the website programmers planned for us in order to maximize the functionality and the surfing experience. The user interface is called that because it expresses the exposed space between the surfer and the content, and the place where the simple surfer can manage and use the system for his convenience and needs.

With the advancement of website development procedures and modern functionality and marketing needs, user interface programmers have had to increasingly develop more skills to the level of expertise and great investment and resources have been spent to ensure comfort and maximum efficiency for the surfer's experience.

When developing and designing a website it is important to remember the above, because the surfer doesn't usually visit a website many times, and more often than not, if he is not pleased with the website, will never visit it again (unless it is unique and without competition such as a government or public website).

A user, upon entering a website, will be asking some key questions:

  • Where am I?
  • What is the purpose of me being in this website?
  • What does this system allow me to do?
  • How do I perform what the system allows me?
  • What is the purpose of each button or key?

A good user interface will usually have solutions to these questions and will also meet additional criteria such as:

  • Preservation of the image identity and design of the company.
  • Instructions to the user – suited to the needs and surroundings of the client.
  • Explanation of the content and functionality of the system.
  • Maintain simplicity of structure and design.
  • Flexibility – Strong update capabilities and the ability to make changes easily, such as adding or deleting content.
  • Minimum use of help and guidance.
  • Sells the product – meets goals predetermined.

 

So, planning and prior strategy on user interface is an important and determining factor when characterizing and designing the website.  This should not be delayed, but should be one of the first and most important stages both for marketing and functionality.