3 Interaction Design Principles Free Online FlashCards

What is a mental model in interaction design?

A mental model is a person’s understanding of how a system works, which may be incomplete or mistaken.

How can an interface support users’ mental models?

Familiar conventions help users predict what an interface will do, reducing the need for explanation. When behavior differs from expectations, clear labels and feedback can help users understand it.

What is information architecture?

Information architecture is the organization and labeling of information so people can find and understand what they need.

What should guide an information architecture’s categories?

Organize information around users’ tasks and language rather than an organization’s internal structure. For example, group public-service pages by tasks such as applying for a permit.

How do page structure and labels help users find information?

Give each page a clear purpose and place related information together. Descriptive titles and headings act as signposts, while concise, familiar labels help users choose where to go.

What makes navigation predictable?

Keep repeated navigation in consistent positions, use meaningful labels, and make the current section or step apparent.

How do breadcrumbs differ from a step indicator?

Breadcrumbs show a user’s place in a multi-level site; a step indicator shows progress through a linear process. They serve different purposes.

How can users be given more ways to find content?

Offer more than one way to find important content when appropriate, such as menus and search. A table of contents can help users jump through a long page.

What is feedback in an interface?

Feedback is information an interface gives in response to an action. It tells users whether the action was recognized, what state the system is in, and what happened next.

What makes interface feedback effective and accessible?

Feedback should be timely, specific, and perceivable. Important status updates should not rely on color or visual position alone; they should also be available to assistive technologies.

How can an interface prevent common input errors?

Use clear labels and instructions, sensible defaults, and input formats that guide users toward valid answers. State expected formats before submission, such as beside a date field.

What should a helpful error message do?

Identify the affected field, explain the problem in plain language, and suggest a correction when possible.