Things have changed. The new faced paced evolution in the world of web interfaces has seen massive development in what is possible, as well as an increase in the expectations of end users. Six of these features, expectation and requirements are outlined below:
- The Ability To Share Content
Whatever the content, it must be able to be shared, tweeted, liked, blogged or emailed. The ability for users to share content is a key component in today’s user experience as it a key tool used to craft users’ online identities.
- Rich Content
A simple photo and a block of copy is no longer adequate in keeping a user’s attention. New web interfaces must take advantage of the dynamic, interactive way content can be displayed in via the use of HTML5, Flash (though dated) and Javascript. Users now have an expectation that technology in general will be more dynamic and interactive, and developers must be aware of this new need.
- Achieve a Higher Level of User Interaction
Going hand in hand with rich content comes a higher level of user interaction and engagement. Web interfaces need to refocus on the user in coming up with new and intuitive ways for meaningful interaction to occur.
- Provide Feedback to Users
Following on from the previous point, with a higher level of interactivity by-way of rich content, web interfaces also need to provide a higher level of feedback for users’ actions. Users demand instantaneous feedback for their actions, and their is an assumption that if the system does not provide this feedback promptly, that something must be broken, and the user’s attention will wane.
- Consistant, Functional Design
While the possibilities of what can be done have been expanded, the same fundamental design principles must prevail to assist the user in the most effective navigation of content possible. Elements that don’t add value or worse, clutter the design and confuse the user need to be removed. By focusing on the way users navigate through content, designers can create enjoyable and intuitive web interface systems.
- Adaptability to Multiple Platforms.
If you can’t access it on your phone, forget it. While it is assumed that the level of features and functionality will be decreased on a mobile or tablet app, the amount of usage that occurs on these devices cannot be overlooked. To provide the best and most rounded user experience possible, web interfaces have to be adaptive to these new platforms.
