From Book News, Inc.
In a field spanning computer science, psychology, and industrial engineering, this textbook outlines development methods and software tools for designing software interfaces, describes the five primary user interaction styles, and considers critical design decisions that can determine the difference between the success and failure of products. The fourth edition deletes the chapter on the web and instead describes web-based and mobile device designs throughout.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Book Description
The much-anticipated fourth edition of Designing the User Interface provides a comprehensive, authoritative introduction to the dynamic field of human-computer interaction (HCI). Students and professionals learn practical principles and guidelines needed to develop high quality interface designs—ones that users can understand, predict, and control. It covers theoretical foundations, and design processes such as expert reviews and usability testing. Numerous examples of direct manipulation, menu selection, and form fill-in give readers an understanding of excellence in design. Recent innovations in collaborative interfaces, online help, and information visualization receive special attention. A major change in this edition is the integration of the World Wide Web and mobile devices throughout the book. Chapters have examples from cell phones, consumer electronics, desktop displays, and Web interfaces.

Book Info
Covers human factors of interactive software, tested methods to develop and assess interfaces, interaction styles such as direct manipulation for graphical user interfaces, and design considerations such as effective messages and appropriate color. DLC: Human-computer interaction.

ANNOTATION

This substantial revision expands upon the first edition's broad coverage of key topics in the field of user interface design. The second edition highlights major issues in human factors, and combines descriptions of theoretical underpinnings with practical applications.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In 1996, recognizing this book, ACM's Special Interest Group on Documentation (SIGDOC) presented Ben Shneiderman with the Joseph Rigo Award. SIGDOC praised the book as one "that took the jargon and mystery out of the field of human-computer interaction" and attributed the book's success to "its readability and emphasis on practice as well as research."

In revising this best-seller, Ben Shneiderman again provides a complete, current, and authoritative introduction to user-interface design. The user interface is the part of every computer system that determines how people control and operate that system. When the interface is well designed, it is comprehensible, predictable, and controllable; users feel competent, satisfied, and responsible for their actions. In this book, the author discusses the principles and practices needed to design such effective interaction.

Based on 20 years experience, Shneiderman offers readers practical techniques and guidelines for interface design. As a scientist, he also takes great care to discuss underlying issues and to support conclusions with empirical results. Interface designers, software engineers, and product managers will all find here an invaluable resource for creating systems that facilitate rapid learning and performance, yield low error rates, and generate high user satisfaction. Coverage includes the human factors of interactive software (with added discussion of diverse user communities), tested methods to develop and assess interfaces, interaction styles (like direct manipulation for graphical user interfaces), and design considerations (effective messages, consistent screen design, appropriate color).

SYNOPSIS

In a field spanning computer science, psychology, and industrial engineering, this textbook outlines development methods and software tools for designing software interfaces, describes the five primary user interaction styles, and considers critical design decisions that can determine the difference between the success and failure of products. The fourth edition deletes the chapter on the web and instead describes web-based and mobile device designs throughout. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

Booknews

In this revised and updated presentation of user interface design for designers, managers, and evaluators of interactive systems, Schneiderman (computer science, U. of Maryland) discusses the underlying issues, principles, and empirical results, and describes practical guidelines and techniques necessary to realize an effective design. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

ACCREDITATION

About Ben Shneiderman