CIS 524 Computer Interaction and Design

Strayer University

This paper will describe three (3) reasons users are still frustrated with modern applications. How the frustrations can be reduced. It will describe methods for determining if user frustration is caused by poor system design or from the natural frustration associated with learning a new software product. And suggest at least three (3) methods to reduce the frustrations among the disabled population and how this population can be better served.

Each day a new application is being introduced to the market, and designers are always attempting to make their design bigger and bolder. They desire to make their application, “the next great thing”.

Designers are always attempting to make new applications with new and exciting visual appeals; however, change is causing frustration for some users. Change is not accepted hastily. Inherent design issues across human-computer interaction, (HCI), environments are causing some frustrations to users. Most of these frustrations can be addressed with more attention to the user experience. Let’s research issues in human-computer interaction.

Reasons for Frustration and Why

Some reasons users are still frustrated with modern applications are:

Poor Design or Change.

• Inconsistent approaches to common functions-users assume most apps’ functions are the same. If the app doesn’t respond as expected, most users don’t choose to continue.
• Ambiguous error messages-most error messages offer the user a clue that something went wrong, without advising the user how to correct the error.
• Changing navigation element location-users must search for navigation menus.
• Too many competing options-too many menu options with no clear directions.
• Registration- takes too much time and effort-
• Small clickable areas-the links are not clearly defined

Methods for determining if user frustration are caused by poor system design or from the natural frustration associated with learning a new software product. There are three common methods of determining if users are frustrated with an application.

Reducing Frustrations.

• Analysis and review on the application tested by experts. They attempt to judge the usability from the user’s perspective.
• Small test groups test and review random pages or scenarios of an application.
• The third method is to do nothing and rely on the designers and product creators to decide if there are areas for improvement (Rotolo, Rotolo, Rotolo, Gautam, David, Gautam, Gautam. 2017).

To reduce frustration, designers need to remember the golden rules. The golden rules of interface design by Theo Mandel are:

The rules are important and can be applied to any software, or web design, despite the operating system, users or device. (Mandel, 2013)

• Always be consistent
• Don’t make the user rely on their memory.
• Give the control to the user.
• Allow feedback.
• Easy reversable actions.
• Allow easy error corrections
  • Give user a definite idea of response time. (Santos, 2018)

Disabled and nondisabled users both experience the same frustrations. The same barriers of cultural, language of access exists with human computer interaction. Anyone can have inadequate knowledge to understand or interpret an interface. Improvements occur by developing an interface which can adapt to the user’s physical or mental abilities.

Universal access suggests the design is specifically made for everyone to use anywhere anytime. Easy to use and learn, targeted to allow equitable access and active engagement of any persons now or future. Products and services, which can accommodate invariably every individual requirement regardless of location. Early approaches of Universal accessibility targeted those with disabilities. Eventually, accessibility methods and techniques extended towards inclusion. HCI, (human-computer interaction) design is Design for All. (Stephanidis, Antona, Partarakis, Doulgerakii, & Leonidisi,)