Cognitive Principles of Interaction Design

This paper discusses the basic principles and guidelines derived from psychology, cognitive science and related disciplines that can inform the process of designing website or application in User Centered Design methodology. Interface constitutes the connection between the human and the computer or device. Its main goal is to help the user to operate the system or the machine. Too often though, interfaces are designed with the focus only on technological innovations, requirements and limitations. To make them efficient though, it is important to focus on the end user needs as well. Commercial success of solutions created nowadays hinges on intuitive, simple, elegant and convenient – usable solutions, which allow the user to realize her tasks with ease. To successfully design for people, it is necessary to have at least basic knowledge regarding their needs, goals and behaviours as well as physical and cognitive limitations. Experiments in the domain of psychology have been analyzing human behavior and cognition for over 100 years now – there is a lot of knowledge to draw from in order to make informed decisions in the design process.

Cognitive Principles of Interaction Design

This paper discusses the basic principles and guidelines derived from psychology, cognitive science and related disciplines that can inform the process of designing website or application in User Centered Design methodology. Interface constitutes the connection between the human and the computer or device. Its main goal is to help the user to operate the system or the machine. Too oft en though, interfaces are designed with the focus only on technological innovations, requirements and limitations. To make them efficient though, it is important to focus on the end user needs as well. Commercial success of solutions created nowadays hinges on intuitive, simple, elegant and convenient – usable solutions, which allow the user to realize her tasks with ease. To successfully design for people, it is necessary to have at least basic knowledge regarding their needs, goals and behaviours as well as physical and cognitive limitations. Experiments in the domain of psychology have been analyzing human behavior and cognition for over 100 years now – there is a lot of knowledge to draw from in order to make informed decisions in the design process.