The Elements of User Interface Design

By Theo Mandel

". . . a book that should be forced on every developer working today. If only half the rules in this book were followed, the quality of most programs would increase tenfold." -Kevin Bachus, praising Theo Mandel's The GUI-OOUI War A total guide to mastering the art and science of user interface design For most computer users, the user interface is the software, and in today's ultracompetitive software markets, developers can't afford to provide users and clients with anything less than optimal software ease, usability, and appeal. The Elements of User Interface Design is written by a cognitive psychologist and interface design specialist with more than a decade's research and design experience. Writing for novices and veteran developers and designers alike, Dr. Mandel takes you from command-line interfaces and graphical-user interfaces (GUIs) to object-oriented user interfaces (OOUIs) and cutting-edge interface technologies and techniques. Throughout, coverage is liberally supplemented with screen shots, real-life case studies, and vignettes that bring interface design principles to life. Destined to become the bible for a new generation of designers and developers, The Elements of User Interface Design Arms you with a "tested-in-the-trenches," four-phase, iterative design process * Analyzes well-known interfaces, including Windows 95, Windows NT, OS/2 Warp, Microsoft Bob, Visual Basic, Macintosh, and the World Wide Web * Schools you in object-oriented interface (OOUI) design principles and techniques * Offers practical coverage of interface agents, wizards, voice interaction, social user interfaces, Web design, and other new and emerging technologies

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471162671
• ISBN13: 9780471162674
• Release Date: March 1997
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Length: 440 Pages
• Weight: 1.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 7.6" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Excellent resource for UI professionals or layperson

I'm a usability / human factors / HCI professional, and I thought I'd already read all the standard UI design books I'd ever need. After reading Mandel, I realized this book was an excellent standard reference. It belongs on the desk of anyone who is currently doing UI design, is planning to do UI design, or is merely curious about how good user interfaces can be created. This work has a good balance of friendly, accessible readability, and pointers to the basic scholarly research upon which the principles are based. Highly recommended.

Great book and great presenter!

I've just seen the author present a full-day tutorial at Seybold Seminars and I've read his books. Dr. Mandel offers practical, easy-to-understand advice and insight about interface design and usability.In his books and tutorial, he uses examples to highlight the many principles of good design. Dr. Mandel's web site also provides valuable presentations and links on web design and usability. I would recommend this book for anyone needing to gain an understanding and appreciation for the art and science of interface design.

Better than Alan Cooper's book

This is a very good book on user interface design - far better than Alan Cooper's About Face. But if you want a book that tells you how to write code to make good user interfaces then this is not for you. Instead, try "Constructing the User Interface" by Ian Horrocks.

Insights and pointers to knowledge you didn't know you had!

Fabulous book! For the intermediate designer who needs a condensed, no nonsense - quick view! (aka..The ideal users manual)

Great Interface Design Reference!

This is an excellent reference on interface design and usability testing. Mandel's key ideas and "Golden Rules" should be required reading for all developers and web designers.The book is enjoyable reading and increases awareness of interface design issues and practical applications.