UNIT-IV

Dr.G.Arutjothi
Assistant Professor
 Interaction Design Basics
• Definition of Interaction Design
Interaction Design (IxD) is the process of designing interactive
digital systems, products, and services that create meaningful
experiences between users and technology. It focuses on how users
interact with interfaces and aims to make those interactions
intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable.

Importance in User Experience (UX)

•User-Centered Design (UCD) – Prioritizing user needs, preferences, and behaviors
•Interaction Design (IxD) – Structuring the way users engage with digital systems.
•Visual Design – Using colors, typography, and layouts to enhance usability.
•Information Architecture (IA) – Organizing content in a clear and logical manner.
•Usability and Accessibility – Ensuring designs work for all users, including those
• with disabilities.
 What is Design?
• Concept of Design in HCI
• In Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), design refers to the
process of creating user-centered digital interfaces and
systems that ensure efficient, intuitive, and enjoyable
interactions between humans and computers.
• Key Principles of Good Design
•User-Centered Design (UCD) – Prioritizing user needs, preferences, and
behaviors.
•Interaction Design (IxD) – Structuring the way users engage with
•digital systems.
•Visual Design – Using colors, typography, and layouts to enhance usabilit
•Information Architecture (IA) – Organizing content in a clear and
•logical manner.
•Usability and Accessibility – Ensuring designs work for all users, .
 The Process of Design
• Steps in the Design Process
1. Research & Understanding User Needs
2. Define the Problem & Goals
3. Ideation & Concept Development
4. Prototyping & Wireframing
5. User Testing & Evaluation
6. Implementation & Development
7. Iteration & Continuous Improvement

• Examples of the Design Process in Real Life:

• Redesigning a website for better usability and navigation.
• Developing a mobile app with interactive prototypes.
• Creating a new dashboard for data visualization.
 User Focus
• Understanding User Needs
• User-Centered Design Principles
User-Centered Design (UCD) is an iterative design approach that
focuses on the needs, preferences, and behaviors of users
throughout the development process. The goal is to create
intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable experiences.
 Screen Design and Layout
• Best Practices for UI Layout
• A well-structured User Interface (UI) layout enhances
usability, accessibility, and user experience (UX). Here are
the best practices to follow when designing UI layouts:
– Maintain Visual Hierarchy
– Follow a Grid-Based Layout
– Keep the Design Simple & Intuitive
– Ensure Consistency
• Visual Hierarchy and Readability
• Examples of Good UI Layouts in Real Life:
• ✔ Google Search – Clean, minimal, and easy to navigate.
✔ Instagram – Simple, engaging, and mobile-friendly layout.
✔ Spotify – Well-structured with an intuitive menu and clear CTAs.
✔ Airbnb – Uses a grid layout with high-quality visuals and clear
 Iteration and Prototyping
• Why Iteration is Important
Iteration is the process of continuously refining and
improving a design based on user feedback, testing, and analysis.
• Types of Prototypes: Low-Fidelity vs. High-
Fidelity
– It helps designers visualize ideas, test usability, and refine
the final product before full development.
 Comparison Table: Low-Fidelity vs. High-Fidelity Prototypes

Feature Low-Fidelity Prototype High-Fidelity Prototype

Basic sketches & Fully designed UI with
Detail Level
wireframes interactions
Interactivity Minimal (static screens) Clickable & functional
Speed & Cost Fast & inexpensive Time-consuming & costly
Early brainstorming & Usability testing &
Use Case
feedback stakeholder approval

When to Use Each Type:

✔ Lo-Fi Prototypes: Early-stage ideation, quick concept
validation, and low-cost iteration.
✔ Hi-Fi Prototypes: Final design validation, usability testing, and
developer handoff.
 HCI in the Software Process
• Role of HCI in Software Development
• Impact on Usability and Accessibility
 The Software Life Cycle
• Phases of Software Development
– The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) consists of structured
phases that guide the development of software applications from
concept to deployment and maintenance.
– Planning & Requirement Analysis
– System Design
– Implementation (Coding & Development)
– Testing & Quality Assurance (QA)
– Deployment & Release
– Maintenance & Updates
 Software Development Models Used:
• ✔ Waterfall Model – Linear, step-by-step
approach.
✔ Agile Development – Iterative with
continuous feedback.
✔ DevOps – Integrates development &
operations for faster delivery.
 Usability Engineering
• Measuring Usability
– Usability Testing is a process in Human-Computer Interaction
(HCI) and UX design used to evaluate how easy and efficient a
product is for users. It helps identify usability issues, improve
user experience, and ensure the product meets user
expectations.
• Usability Testing Methods
• 1 Moderated Testing (In-Person or Remote)
1️⃣
• 2️⃣Unmoderated Testing (Remote & Automated)
• 3️⃣A/B Testing (Split Testing)
• 4️⃣Eye-Tracking & Heatmaps
• 5️⃣Think-Aloud Protocol
• 6️⃣Guerilla Testing (Quick & Informal)
 Iterative Design and Prototyping
• Benefits of an Iterative Approach
– Early Detection of Issues
– Continuous User Feedback
– Improved Usability & UX
– Flexibility & Adaptability
– Faster Time to Market
– Cost-Effective Development

• Examples from Industry

– Google Search Algorithm
– Mobile Apps (Instagram, WhatsApp)
– Tesla Software Updates
– Amazon’s Recommendation Engine
 Design Rationale
• Importance of Design Decisions
– Design Rationale refers to the reasoning and justification behind
design decisions in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), UI/UX design,
and software development.

• Importance of Design Rationale

• ✔ Justifies Design Choices – Explains why a particular approach was
taken.
✔ Improves Collaboration – Helps teams understand the reasoning
behind past decisions.
✔ Facilitates Future Enhancements – Provides documentation for future
updates.
✔ Reduces Redesign Efforts – Prevents repeating mistakes by learning
from past decisions.
✔ Supports Usability & Accessibility – Ensures designs are user-friendly
and inclusive.
 Components of Design Rationale
• 11️⃣ Problem Statement – What issue is
being addressed?
2️⃣ Alternative Solutions – What
other options were considered?
3️⃣ Decision Taken – Which design
choice was made and why?
4️⃣ Justification – What are the
benefits and trade-offs?
5️⃣ Impact Assessment – How
does this decision affect usability, cost, and
performance?
 Examples of Design Rationale in Real Life
• ✔ Google Search UI – Minimalist design to improve speed
and readability.
✔ Apple iOS Interface – Consistent icons and gestures for
better usability.
✔ Tesla’s Touchscreen Controls – Digital interface replacing
traditional buttons.
✔ Netflix’s Recommendation System – AI-driven
personalization based on user behavior.