User Experience

UX DESIGN

Anonymous

PC Pro Magazine

UX DESIGN

User Experience

This article reminds us all of the importance of the ease of user experience. In days gone by of computing, we have transitioned from green screen coding, through several iterations of multi-color shell interfaces and graphical user interfaces. When Microsoft and Apple, Inc. first got into GUIs for mass computer users it was the wave of the future. GUIs are no longer enough. The total user experience is what is needed in today’s computing industry. It takes time to develop, and requires the input of those that will use it. “When it works, it’s invisible; when it doesn’t, it can be incredibly frustrating.” (Anonymous, 2014)

Software Development

This article discusses how software interfaces can longer be thrown together for mass users. The program, or applications, can’t just look good, either. It has to function seamlessly. Many discussions are had prior to any coding. Much of this conversation is about the proper demographic of the end-user. For instance, engineers might require a much different interface than a bank manager. Before any code is input for the software design, the most important question of all is asked of that demographic. What do you want from this software?

Opposing Approaches

In the final paragraphs, this articles compares and contrasts the differences in the way that Apple, Inc and Microsoft approached the development of their lastest software user interfaces. How successful, or not, was also discussed in this portion of the article. Apple, Inc has made ease of use their top priority and it shows in the success of their newest iterations of both iOS and OSX. Microsoft, on the other hand, has struggled with its latest version of Windows 8, with its integration of mobile look software.

Author Reflection

I chose this particular article because I felt that it fit the topics that we have previously discussed in depth on our course discussion boards. People were once...