This video is based on this edition of the blog version of “Weekly Web Redux: IA and Google”

The Small Print: Writing User Interface Instructions
http://understandinggraphics.com/design/writing-user-interface-instructions/

• People assume certain things about the functionality of a website.  Generally, these can be noted as common interface elements (button rollovers, selected states, etc…)
• Mental models are “general ideas about how things work.”  Think of them like muscle memory in sports only with interactions on a webpage.
• Following common mental models prevents user frustration.
• Know your audience and tailor the user experience accordingly.
• Be precise without loosing anything important.
• Descriptive words on call-to-actions improve user experience.
• Avoid passive wet noodle writing.  State what should be done don’t ask.
• Margins and padding help define content grouping
• Be a font nerd.  Don’t deviate from your site guidelines.  Make fonts readable.
• A picture is worth a thousand words to the less savvy (illustrate how to’s in less obvious situations).
• Whenever possible make calls to action “personal” targeting your user directly.  When possible I would also use personal information that you have available.  Example: “Hey [username], welcome back”.
• Instructions should be freely accessible to anyone (508 compliance?).
• Always test your instructions with those who haven’t used your product.  Do they make sense?

Tags: design, font, style, user interface, Video

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