The Importance of User Interface

The user interface is the key in connecting the person to the application. Its importance began with computing itself. From command-line based terminals to mobile applications, we've seen the concept of user interface flourish from one generation to the next.

It is necessary for survival in this day and age of applications. The usability and design of an application is what determines success. Though the code of your application is usually hidden under layers of abstraction, the beauty of a good interface can allow users to appreciate much more than they can see.

The truth of how user interfaces are.

It is without a doubt that humans have, decade after decade, been becoming more integrated with technology. I personally use technology for a high percentage of my day. From the morning to the very late night, there's a good probability you'll find me glued to one of my devices. 

Technology has become a part of humankind to the point where it has become inseparable. You could simply say that the goal of a user interface is to put something more human-like in a concept that is not so human-like. There are troubles when considering what is really intuitive and what is not.

People have many differences when abstracting something complex. "You have to look at how an every day person would view your website and what impact your page content will have on them" (Digital Zoo).

Frustrating reality of intuitiveness.

I have used many applications where there was much to be said about their user interfaces and the lack of concern for its importance. 

One application forget my details that I painstakingly inserted when I had pressed back to modify one little part.  Another application had an entirely different functionality for a button that what I figured was intended for it. 

All of these experiences were very frustrating and that frustration is valuable for designing good user interfaces. "The interface [should have] elements that are easy to access, understand, and use to facilitate those actions" (Usability).

There are so many little nuances in these user interfaces that leave users with a foul stench in their experiences. "No matter what expectations decision-makers hold for technology, goals won't be reached if [people] are uncomfortable or hampered by confusing, redundant tools" (Jobscience).

It sometimes becomes too much trouble for a user that he or she may even decide not to use the application ever again. 

Though the user interface is the key to connecting the user to the application, it can also be the key that disconnects them from it entirely. It is important to have concern for your user interface as it represents what your application truly is. 

References

Interface Development. (2016). Retrieved November 13, 2016, from http://www.jobscience.com/products-technology/the-importance-of-user-interface-design/

The importance of great User Interface Design. (n.d.). Retrieved November 13, 2016, from http://www.digitalzoo.co.uk/blog/item/the-importance-of-great-user-interface-design

User Interface Design Basics. (n.d.). Retrieved November 13, 2016, from https://www.usability.gov/what-and-why/user-interface-design.html