Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines
These pages
provide a theoretical base for the wealth of practical information on
implementing the Macintosh interface elements described in the book,
http://developer.apple.com/techpubs/mac/HIGuidelines/HIGuidelines-2.html
There are
two sets of guidelines: the original Human Interface Guidelines and a
version updated for Mac OS8.
The guidelines are available in PDF, HTML and printed.
Having technical knowledge of the Macintosh user interface is a key factor in product design, but understanding the theories behind the user interface can help you create an excellent product.
In Chapter
1, Human Interface Principles:
Some of the most important topics related to human interface design include:
- Metaphors - convey concepts and features through familiar objects or visuals
- Direct Manipulation - direct control of objects represented by the computer
- See and Point (instead of remember and type) - users perform actions by choosing from alternatives presented on the screen
- Consistency - allows people to transfer knowledge and skills from one application to another
- WYSIWIG (what you see is what you get) - ability to see what is needed when it is needed
- User control - user, not the computer, initiates and controls actions
- Feedback and Dialog - informs users as immediately as possible about what's happening
- Forgiveness - encourages exploration of application
- Perceived Stability - provides understandable, familiar, and predictable computer environment
- Aesthetic Integrity - information well organized and consistent with principles of visual design
- Modelessness - creates ability to do what you want when you want in program
- Knowledge of Your Audience - identifying and understanding your target audience
- Accessibility - members of your target audience who are different from the "average" user that you envision
Macintosh Human Interface Guidelines Book Contents
Part 1 - Fundamentals
- Chapter 1 - Human Interface Principles
- Chapter 2 - General Design Considerations
- Chapter 3 - Human Interface Design and the Development Process
Part 2 - The Interface Elements
- Chapter 4 - Menus
- Chapter 5 - Windows
- Chapter 6 - Dialog Boxes
- Chapter 7 - Controls
- Chapter 8 - Icons
- Chapter 9 - Color
- Chapter 10 - Behaviors
- Chapter 11 - Language