Updating an older interface

ABSTRACT

Much of the research in the field of human/computer interface is aimed at the interface designer who begins from scratch. A different set of needs confronts the designer who must update an existing interface without throwing away the good elements of the old design and the knowledge base of experienced users. In this paper, the factors that contribute to the need for interface changes are presented, along with the special challenges that make change more difficult than new design. Approaches are suggested for dealing with the problems of updating an interface to make it effective for both old and new users.

REFERENCES

• 1: Apple Computer, Inc., Apple Human Interface Guidelines: The Apple Desktop Interface. Apple Computer, inc., Cupertino, Calif., 1986.
• 2: International Business Machines, Systems Application Architecture, Common User Access (Preliminary Draft). International Business Machines, Boca Raton, Fla., 1987.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES

Additional Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.4 INPUT/OUTPUT AND DATA COMMUNICATIONS
      B.4.2 Input/Output Devices
          Subjects: Data terminals and printers

  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
          Subjects: User interfaces

  H. Information Systems
  H.4 INFORMATION SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS
      H.4.1 Office Automation

          Nouns: WordStar

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors