Important: |
---|
This is retired content. This content is outdated and is no longer being maintained. It is provided as a courtesy for individuals who are still using these technologies. This content may contain URLs that were valid when originally published, but now link to sites or pages that no longer exist. |
4/14/2010
Use the following checklist to confirm that an application user interface meets basic usability requirements:
- Dialog boxes do not contain irrelevant information because it
diminishes the visibility of relevant information.
- Information appears in a logical order in the dialog box based
on the functionality provided. The information is communicated
using words and concepts that are familiar to a user. Consider the
following to keep the user interface simple and focused:
- Place commands for critical features in a prominent area such
as a menu.
- Place advanced and less-frequently used commands in a less
prominent area such as a submenu or settings dialog.
- Avoid placing commands redundantly, with the exception of
shortcut menu commands on Windows Mobile Professional and Windows
Mobile Classic.
- Place commands for critical features in a prominent area such
as a menu.
- Instructions for using an application are visible or easily
accessible whenever appropriate. Avoid complicated instructions.
- When appropriate, the same user action is consistently used to
complete the same application operation.
- Consistency is applied to the visual presentation of
information, placement of user interface elements, and format,
capitalization, and punctuation of user interface text.
Avoid visual noise in the user interface because it distracts users from completing tasks. Visual noise is created by misaligned controls or redundant borders of neighboring controls. - Appropriate feedback is provided to a user within a reasonable
time.
- Shortcuts for experienced users are provided for completing
tasks.
- Error messages are provided that concisely explain a problem
and contain meaningful suggestions for resolving the problem. For
more information, see
Error and
Informational Message Guidelines.
- Whenever possible, the application design prevents errors from
occurring.