Basic tips for programmers to help develop the skills necessary to provide user-friendly programs at all levels of programming ability in any language.
Modern technology has opened the door to computer-based professions around the world. Almost every company offers employment in the field of Information Technology which requires at least experience with developing or building programs.
The most difficult aspect of learning programming is not in learning the programming language, but in learning how to create a user-friendly program. End-users or operators are not as technologically savvy as the people writing the computer programs. The best programmers design the software to allow almost anyone with basic computer skills to operate the program successfully. You should focus on developing the skills necessary to design a user-friendly program at all stages of your programming career. Following a few basic tips allows you to begin the development of those very skills.
K.I.S.S.
"Keep It Simple, Silly." The acronym is a key reminder to avoid complicating the interface, which is the window or screen the user sees, with unnecessary controls or labels. Avoid placing numerous buttons on the same screen. Evaluate the program and keep the controls as basic as possible without sacrificing the functionality of the program. Most programming languages allow you to hide a control until the control is needed or a certain sub-routine is activated. With each step of the program, hide the controls that are unnecessary at that stage. Limit the number of input boxes to the bare minimum to keep the screen free of clutter. If the program only needs three elements input by the user to display six results, only put three sections on there for the input. Have the six sections added after the user inputs the necessary data.
Give On-Screen Directions
Directions should be kept as simple as possible, but be present at every stage of the program. Each aspect of the program that requires the user to push a button or type something needs to have a clear and concise comment that instructs the user on what to enter or push.
For example, the user needs to enter a date into an input box. Above the input box, type out "Date" and the format necessary, such as "Date (mm/dd/yyyy)." Buttons should not be labeled simply as "Next" or "Continue," but should display what the user needs to do. For example, display "Click Next to Continue" or "Click to Exit" directly on the button. Where possible, write out full directions in a step-by-step list on the main screen so that the user is familiar with each step necessary to complete the program.
Aesthetics are Key
Easily-used programs are not just simple and clear, but also visually pleasing. A simple grey box with words bores the user which leads to attempting to get through the program quickly. Incorporate visually striking backgrounds where the words and buttons are clear and easily seen into the program while keeping the overall interface pleasing to the eye. Logos and icons from the company or organization for which the program is being written need to be present. Writing a simple installation program for a computer game allows you to add graphics and images from the game to the screen which keeps the attention of the user. When the user focuses on the screen, he or she readily notices and reads the on-screen directions.
Bigger is Better
Small fonts are hard to read. People do not want to have to hunt for directions or explanations. Raise the font-size of any keywords or sections to create a focal point. Use smaller fonts with simple sections, such as inputting name, date, or basic information. The more important aspects of the program need to draw the eye of the user. Large, bright fonts pull the eye to necessary information. However, avoid excessively bright colors or gargantuan sizes.
Focus on making the sizing and coloring sufficient so that a person with limited or decreased visual acuity can see the instructions, but not so bright and colorful that the text or directions pains the eyes of other users. The best method of determining the proper size is to step back from the computer a few feet and look at the screen. If the text is glaring at you or you have to squint to see the words, adjust the size and color. You have set the font and color properly if the text pulls your eye and makes you want to look further into the program.
The most important thing to remember when writing a computer program, regardless of the programming language or your level of skill, is to focus on creating an aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-understand program. Before you tackle the processes involved with making the program work, you should be looking at the interface and laying out the screen to create the pleasant and simple program. Writing the code for the program then becomes the simplest aspect of the program.