[IxDA Discuss] Multi-channel user interface design

[Barbara Ballard]

We've been working out a class-based design process to address the
myriad device types and interaction types.  The tentative process is:

1.  Identify major classes of target devices.  Computer, "smart"
phones, phones, TV, voice, etc.
2.  Do research to identify desired functionality for each category.
3.  Separately design things with wildly different interaction (e.g.,
voice only)
4.  Design flows for all other applications.
         - do NOT assume they will be the same
         - do NOT assume the user needs or features are the same
         - do keep them consistent with mental models
5.  Where relevant, use common elements - optimized for device class -
within the design.
6.  Keep colors and to a lesser extent relative component placement consistent.
7.  Fill out details using a device hierarchy and hierarchical patterns.

You can find more details (focused on mobile) at
http://patterns.littlespringsdesign.com


-- 
Barbara Ballard
barbara at littlespringsdesign.com 1-785-838-3003