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Gulf of Execution
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Today we will start by discussing the Gulf of Execution, which captures the distance between what users intend to do and their ability to perform those actions in a system. Can anyone give me an example of an application where this gap is evident?
Maybe a complex software where you need several steps to get to a feature?
Exactly! A high complexity interface can create confusion. What can we do to enhance discoverability and make actions more apparent?
We could use clearer icons or labels to show what each button does!
Excellent point! Remember the acronym D.A.F.S., for Design, Affordances, Feedback, and Signifiers. Keeping these in mind can help us bridge the Gulf of Execution.
How does feedback fit into this?
Great question! Feedback tells users if their actions were successful, reducing uncertainty. Always ensure feedback is immediate and clear.
So 'feedback' is key to ensuring we know whether we did the right action?
Exactly! Remember, the faster and clearer the feedback, the smoother the interaction.
In summary, bridging the Gulf of Execution requires high discoverability, clear affordances, explicit signifiers, and intuitive mapping.
Gulf of Evaluation
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Now let's shift to the Gulf of Evaluation. What challenges do you think users face when trying to understand the system's feedback?
They might not know what to do next if feedback isn't clear.
Exactly! Effective signifiers help with understanding what's happening in the system. Can you think of a case where feedback was confusing?
Yes! When a loading spinner stays on for too long without any information.
Precisely! That leads to frustration. Remember: feedback should be timely and relevant, connecting clearly to user actions.
And does a consistent conceptual model help with that?
Absolutely! A consistent conceptual model aligns the interface design with users' mental models, making it intuitive and reducing confusion.
To summarize, bridging the Gulf of Evaluation requires immediate feedback, a consistent conceptual model, and effective signifiers.
Applying Norman's Principles
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How can we systematically apply Norman's principles to improve design?
We should assess the interface to identify where users might struggle.
That's correct! Conducting usability tests at different design stages can reveal potential gulfs. Can anyone name steps we take?
We could perform heuristic evaluations or cognitive walkthroughs?
Exactly! Both methods help pinpoint issues. Remember to focus on discoverability, feedback, and interpretability.
What's a practical first step for bridging these gulfs?
Start with creating a design lifecycle map that outlines users' intentions and interactions. This will clarify where feedback mechanisms need reinforcement!
In conclusion, a user-centered design approach that bridges both gulfs can significantly improve overall user experience.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
This section emphasizes the importance of bridging the 'Gulf of Execution' and the 'Gulf of Evaluation' in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) using Norman's principles. The objective is to create intuitive systems where users can easily translate their intentions into actions and understand the system's status concerning their goals.
Detailed
Designing to Bridge the Gulfs
In Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), designing effective interfaces is crucial to improve user experience. Donald Norman's model illustrates two significant 'gulfs': the Gulf of Execution and the Gulf of Evaluation.
Gulf of Execution: This gulf represents the gap between a user's intention and their ability to carry out actions on an interface. To bridge this gulf, designers should ensure:
- High Discoverability: Interfaces must clearly display functional options, allowing users to identify possible actions effortlessly.
- Clear Affordances: Elements should visibly indicate their possible interactions, such as buttons that look clickable.
- Explicit Signifiers: Users need clear directions about where to perform actions, like labels on buttons.
- Intuitive Mapping: Controls should logically correspond to their effects to minimize user confusion.
Gulf of Evaluation: This gulf stands for the challenge users face in interpreting the system's feedback regarding its current state. Effective design should incorporate:
- Immediate Feedback: Users should receive prompt and unambiguous responses to their actions, confirming or indicating the current system status.
- Consistent Conceptual Model: Interfaces should adhere closely to user mental models to prevent confusion.
- Effective Signifiers for System Status: Designers should use intuitive cues to inform users about their current standing relative to their goals.
By systematically applying Norman's principles, designers can minimize interaction breakdowns, leading to user-friendly interfaces that enhance overall experience.
Audio Book
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Bridging the Gulf of Execution
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Norman's model provides a powerful analytical lens for design:
- Bridging the Gulf of Execution requires designing an interface that makes it easy for users to transform their intentions into actions. This means ensuring high discoverability of functions, clear affordances, explicit signifiers, and intuitive mapping between controls and their effects. The user should effortlessly know what they can do and how to do it.
Detailed Explanation
The Gulf of Execution refers to the gap between what a user intends to do and what they are able to do using the interface. To bridge this gulf, designers must create an interface that clearly shows users how to accomplish their goals. This involves making functions easy to discover, ensuring that the purpose of each interface element is clear, and setting up an intuitive relationship between controls and their outcomes.
For instance, if a user wants to save a document, the 'Save' button should be prominent and clearly labeled. Additionally, ensuring that related actions are grouped logically (like having 'Save' and 'Save As' near each other) helps users navigate easily.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a well-designed kitchen where everything has its own place and is easily accessible. The sink is next to the stove, and utensils are in drawers nearby. When cooking (your intention), you know exactly where everything is (bridging the gulf of execution) without searching aimlessly.
Bridging the Gulf of Evaluation
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- Bridging the Gulf of Evaluation requires designing an interface that makes it easy for users to perceive and interpret the system's state in relation to their goals. This necessitates providing clear, immediate, and unambiguous feedback, supporting a consistent conceptual model, and using effective signifiers to communicate system changes. The user should easily understand what happened and where they stand relative to their objective.
Detailed Explanation
The Gulf of Evaluation addresses the gap between what the system has done in response to a user's actions and the user's understanding of the system's state. To bridge this gulf, feedback must be timely, clear, and relevant to the user's actions. Users should not have to guess whether their actions were successful; instead, they should receive notifications or visual cues indicating the result.
For example, if a user uploads a file, they should see a message stating 'Upload Successful' or a visual change, such as the file appearing in a list. This ensures users understand their current status and what steps to take next.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you're in a restaurant, and after placing your order, you can see the kitchen through a window. When your meal is ready, a staff member brings it to you; this clear signal lets you know your order was completed successfully. Similarly, effective feedback in a digital system confirms actions and guides users on their next steps.
Definitions & Key Concepts
Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.
Key Concepts
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Gulf of Execution: The gap between intention and action.
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Gulf of Evaluation: The gap between action and understanding result.
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Discoverability: The visibility of interactive options in a system.
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Affordances: Visual features indicating how to interact.
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Feedback: Responses confirming user actions.
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Signifiers: Cues guiding user interaction.
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Mapping: Relation between controls and their effects.
Examples & Real-Life Applications
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Examples
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In a word processor, clearly visible icons for bold, italic, and underline enhance discoverability.
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The use of a progress bar when uploading files provides users clear feedback on the status of their action.
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If a button is grayed out when it can't be clicked, it signifies that the action is unavailable.
Memory Aids
Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.
π΅ Rhymes Time
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To bridge the gulfs, we must not delay, Discover, Act, Feedback every day.
π Fascinating Stories
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Imagine a user named Sam who wants to book a train ticket. He struggles with unclear buttons that donβt indicate what actions to take. But when the buttons are labeled like 'Book Now' and provide feedback on each step, Sam sails through the process effortlessly!
π§ Other Memory Gems
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D.A.F.S. - Design, Affordances, Feedback, Signifiers β key principles to keep in mind for bridging gulfs.
π― Super Acronyms
G.E.E. - Gulf of Execution and Evaluation must have clear Affordances and Feedback for seamless interaction.
Flash Cards
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Glossary of Terms
Review the Definitions for terms.
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Term: Gulf of Execution
Definition:
The gap between a user's intention and their ability to perform actions on an interface.
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Term: Gulf of Evaluation
Definition:
The gap between a user's understanding of the system's feedback and their intent during interactions.
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Term: Discoverability
Definition:
The ease with which users can perceive actions available in the system.
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Term: Affordances
Definition:
Design elements that make clear to users how they can interact with them.
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Term: Feedback
Definition:
The system responses indicating the results of user actions.
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Term: Signifiers
Definition:
Visual cues that guide users on where and how to interact.
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Term: Mapping
Definition:
How well the design of controls corresponds to their effects in a system.