HCI - Accommodating human diversity
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Contents |
Overview
The issue of computer interfaces has been thrust into light within the past few years mainly due to the graphics and processing capabilities that come along with practically all commercially available systems. Designers are expected to provide a transparent interface to the core of their software that can facilitate work for all levels of users. When designing a user interface many aspects of human diversity must be taken into account. Depending on the purpose of the software, designer must take into account factors such as but not limited to:
- Age
- Race
- Physical Attributes/Disabilities
- Mental Disabilities
- Educational Background
- Computer Expertise
- Geographical Location
- Cultural Background
Universal Design
In general, universal design is a cross discipline approach to design that helps create products that are usable and effective for everyone.
Design principles for Universal Design<ref>Miller, E: The Sun, page 23. Academic Press, 2005.</ref>
- Equitable use
- Flexibility in use
- Simple and intuitive
- Perceptible information
- Tolerance for error
- Low physical effort
- Size and space for approach and use
8 Golden Rules Concerns, avoid cultural symbols, use universally understood metaphors. Ex: Don't use stop light. They aren't the same everywhere.
Accessibility
Concerns
Age: Font size , Macular Degeneration
Physical Disabilities: Color Blindness Optical Seizures
Education: Mental Model of the user, What we can assume the user will understand - Time to learn
Language: Terminology, Certain words may have different meaning
Designing for context
Cultural
- Keep in mind the equipment they have been using
- Symbols
- Terminology
- Traditions
- Colors
- Imagery
- Training Techniques - consider the mental strategies which will be adopted by operators and the resources required in terms of background knowledge.
Linguistic
References
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