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The interface is that which comes between
the Internet user and the programming that runs everything. Colors,
buttons, text, animation - everything which conveys interactivity
between the user and the program beneath. Examples of interfaces include
a computer "desktop" or "control panels" and programs like word processing
applications. All the things you type, mouse, click, etc. are backed
by complex instructions, but the interface conceals that from you,
since you don't need to know how the thing works in order to really
use it. These are often so intrinsic to the program that users don't
even consider them separately from the program itself.
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| Every page, every element
must have it's use. |
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How will users find what they
need? The answers will detemine how a site is navigated, and
if databases and engines are necessary. |
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Interfaces are often created by the programmers
who built the program or application. In some cases, a designer is
brought in to "pretty up" the interface to reflect corporate colors
and/or look, user preferences, provide art for buttons, pick fonts,
etc. In advanced cases, the designer and programmer work with a marketing
or promotion specialist to decide what the user wants or needs to
see, and how it should work and look.
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| But
not everyone is a talented programmer, and not everyone is a
talented designer or insightful marketer. Very few people are
both. |
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HCI, at it's core, is a design and marketing/promotions company. We
have successfully forged relationships with programmers, allowing
us to manage projects with both programming and design aspects. Likewise,
we also work with an established database or application and layer
over the marketing and design required to not only reflect the owner
company's corporate image, but also to improve information flow, acquisition,
analysis, and results presentation. Our understanding of how programs
work is used to create client manuals, sales/instruction/report presentations,
and provide analysis and troubleshooting services.
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| Some sites offer a key
service without worrying about what it looks like. Later,
a change in look and feel may be warranted. |
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Site
"Face-Lift"
Function and form optimally co-exist to make a site appealing
and inviting, in addition to being usable. |
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