Effective Interface Design By Avoiding Cognitive Overload, Nazzal Th Alenezi Edge903 T4

EDGE 903 – 2008Nazzal ALENEZI

The user interface (or Human Machine Interface) is the aggregate of means by

which people (the users) interact with a particular machine, device, computer

program or other complex tool (the system). The user interface provides means of:

•Input, allowing the users to manipulate a system

•Output, allowing the system to produce the effects of the users' manipulation.(Wikipedia)

Graphical User Interface (GUI)A visual way of interacting with a computer using items such as windows and icons. (Norman, D., :2004).

Active communication

A system in human minds that process all the information that they faced through their engaging to earn knowledge. (Hasler, Kersten, & Sweller, :2007).

“A term that refers to the load on working memory during instruction”. (Wikipedia)

•Eliminate the unnecessary loads.

• Reduce the size of the cognitive load by dividing the inter face to smaller

pieces.

• Make instructions to help the interface users to understand what they need

to do and how the interface will help them.

• Do not confuse the users by less ordering the interface content.

• Allow to the users to use the interface based on their needs and able to

control its features based on their readiness.

1- Communicate with interface user by designing the interface contents that are clear and able to lead the user to the accurate actions.

2- Avoid butting the user in confusion situations , by increasing the cognitive load through the disordering in the interface

3- Do not fall in the same mistake that I made in the last slide.

Misaligned between the text and the picture increased the

cognitive load and make bad effect on the memory process.

4- Take your time in designing a user

friendly interface, this will help the users

to be more active and will motivate them

to improve their interactions with the

interface.

References:

- Anglin, G. J., Vaez, H. & Cunningham, K. L. (2004). Visual Representations And Learning: The Role Of

Static And Animated Graphics. In D. H. Jonassen (Ed). Handbook Of Research On Educational

Communications And Technology, (pp. 865-916), LAWRENCE ERLBAUM ASSOCIATES, PUBLISHERS,

Mahwah, New Jersey.

- Hasler, B. S., Kersten, B. & Sweller, J. (2007). Learner Control, Cognitive Load and Instructional Animation.

Journal of Applied Cognitive Psychology, 21. 713- 729.

-Mayer, R. E., & Moreno, R. (2003). Nine Ways to Reduce Cognitive Load in Multimedia Learning.

Educational Psychologist,38(1). 43 – 52.

- Norman, D. (2004). Design as Communication. Retrieved at 26 September 2008 From:

http://www.jnd.org/dn.mss/design_as_comun.html

- Wikipedia. (nd). www.wikipedia.org , accessed at 13, November 2008.