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Creating the Illusion of Consistency in GUI Software...
Jonathan Grudin has observed that sometimes the most `intuitive' or
seemingly consistent behavior for an interface actually
violates the pattern of continuity established by the program's
designers. ``... the `inconsistent' interface choices described
earlier are so naturally molded to the users' tasks that users may not
even notice the inconsistency.''[5] Design teams need
someone to be an advocate for the user, someone who will continually
discourage programmers from representing program features to the user
in technical terms. A visual artist is the ideal candidate for this
position.
Artistic manipulation can be made in an interface to create the
illusion of consistency- Art on paper can create the illusion of depth
when there is none. Art in animation creates the illusion of movement
when there is none. Visual Art in general creates the illusion of
visual harmony (or discord) within a narrow time frame- and does it
well. If user interface designers and can persuade artists to apply
these elusive talents to the user interface, programmers would be able
to incorporate unique and powerful features into their application,
and users would still gain the speed and ease of learning
associated with consistent interfaces--because a visual artist would
be involved in the project to help assure a consistent look and feel.
Next: Interdisciplinary Conclusion
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sean dreilinger