The Science and Art of Effective Web and Application Design –
a 3-day course

***contributes to HFI's Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) certification***

About this course

Designing intuitive and effective user interfaces is both science and art. During this course, participants will learn how to apply research-based and field-tested Web and application design principles and methodologies.

Initially they will focus on the four foundational layers of the interface: Navigation, Presentation, Content, and Interaction.

Participants will then be provided with the framework and methodology needed to support rapid prototyping initiatives.

Finally, they will extend their sphere of influence through the application of accessibility and cross-cultural design methods.

The course is led by experienced HFI consultants and includes in-depth discussions, challenging and interactive exercises, and fully documented student materials.

Objective

Learn how to:

• identify, select, and implement appropriate navigation models used to build intuitive navigation structures
• make better decisions and recommendations to improve visual design, including: layout, color, graphics and icons, and text
• implement effective usability-based content organization and treatment methods
• ensure intuitive interaction through appropriate UI control selection and error and feedback design
• increase design efficiency using Web and application templates and wireframes
• extend your UCD sphere of influence into the domains of user experience, accessibility, and cross-cultural design

Course length

Three days: 9:00 to 4:30 each day, 1 hour lunch break

Course content

• Designing intuitive navigation structures
• Optimizing interaction through controls and feedback
• Creating screens and pages that:
  • control user focus
  • match user's expectations
  • optimize efficiency and usability
• How Web site and application design strategies differ and overlap
• The basics of accessibility and globalization

Training package includes

• A comprehensive student manual
• A Workbook and Resource Guide
• Usability glossary
• Usability resources
• User interface control selection guide
• The instructor's wealth of knowledge and experience in software usability engineering

Who should attend

Usability practitioners, Web site/intranet developers, application developers, interface designers, project managers – those involved in the design and development of Web, e-commerce, informational and promotional sites, intranets, and Web and Windows™ applications.

Prerequisites

None

Sample reference guides (click for larger view)