Structure the information and develop an interface metaphor

Structure information so that it is meaningful to the user. The structure should make sense to the user, and will often differ from the structure used internally by the data provider. The structure can be defined by producing a card (or post-it note) for each anticipated part of the system, and use card sorting techniques to design an appropriate structure.

Metaphors are used to describe an idea by relating it to a well known concept. Metaphors help people understand and remember things. The goal of a metaphor for a multimedia user interface is to present it as an operational environment which users are familiar with and can use by drawing upon their current knowledge. They can thus concentrate upon their task rather than the computer.

Visual metaphors like books, rooms and houses, maps or lifts are useful to show semantic relationships. The user is familiar with the environment presented by the metaphor and can knows intuitive the function of the controls.

Technical metaphors like controls on technical equipment e.g. video cassette recorder controls which provide the user with a familiar environment, as well as a visual metaphor.

Structural metaphors can be divided in three categories: sequences, trees and networks. Linear structures or sequences show a meaningful ordering of single information units; an ordinary table of contents provides an overview for such a sequence. A tree or branching structure is often represented in hierarchical menu form. For beginners a small menu width and a high menu depth is preferred, whereas for experienced users, a high menu width and a low menu depth is preferred. Finally, a network structure is very general and flexible structure of items and links between these: it allows the access of arbitrary information from nearly any other point in the system.

Copyright EMMUS 1999.
Last updated: September 27, 1999.