In Shneiderman’s “Eight Golden Rules of Interface Design” he explains the elements that are necessary in creating a visually appealing interface. His rules are as follows: (1) Strive for consistency; (2) enable frequent users to use shortcuts; (3) offer informative feedback; (4) design dialog to yield closure; (5) offer simple error handling; (6) permit easy reversal of actions; (7) support internal locus of control; (8) reduce short-term memory load (Shneiderman). These rules function almost as commandments and greatly help “to improve the usability of an application.” To examine these rules in real time I looked at the website Nasty Gal—an online clothing retail website.
Starting with (1), Nasty Gals functions highly on consistency. The controlled vocabulary on the website is blatantly apparent. Each item page has the same format where is lists the sizes, colors, quantity, etc. available, all in the same area for every item. For (2) shortcuts, frequent users of the site will notice that each clothing item image on the main page offers a “quick view” where a user can add an item to their “tote” without loading a new page, which allows a quicker shopping experience.
For (3) informative feedback, at the bottom of each clothing item page, there is a section that says “other users bought”, which suggests other items of clothing or accessories that would work well with the item you just viewed. This form of feedback helps users create trendy and unique outfits. Whenever you add a new item to your “tote”, a bubble will pop up on the screen that says, “item successfully added to tote.” This satisfies rule (4) yield closure—it lets the user know that their action was successfully completed. Nasty Gal’s system is also well designed so the user cannot make a serious error (5). When filling out information on sizing, quantity, etc, if a user forgets to mark a category, then they will let you know something went wrong. The system also alerts users when there is an error in their credit card data, shipping information, or any other aspect involved in the checkout process. If a user does make a mistake, Nasty Gal allows you to easily reverse your actions (6).
When looking at your tote, you can change the size and quantity of any item there. The users shopping on the website are in control of every action that they make (7). And finally (8), the website is created with short term memory in mind, by creating an easily accessible website, without too much clutter, and visually pleasing displays. Nasty Gal passes the “Eight Golden Rules”.
Works Cited:
Ben Shneiderman, Eight Golden Rules
http://www.nastygal.com