UNusability and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat UI
It’s too easy to judge software by its cover – or its glitzy-flash-ajax-soaked UI. Unfortunately, in the age of web 2.0 / 3.0, some people equate look with feel.
At a local DemoCamp last Monday, a presenter got rudely questioned on her “crappy UI”. In fact the UI was well designed from a functional perspective. It wasn’t all “Vista-glossy” or anything. Since the commenter believed he was a UI expert, he assumed that the lack of superficial gloss would make the app unappealing to users. Not so.
The most usable web UIs are the most simple.
When usability is not actually a requirement, weird web UIs can be a lot of fun! Consider the Wonder Wall. (warning: doesn’t work on some browsers) – this is awesome visual navigation coupled with a “trickle drop water” sound effect.
Every discipline has a conceptual side and a practical side. UI is no different. As enjoyable as the Wonder Wall is, it would get a bit tiresome for say, Google results.
Everything has its place!
BTW – it’s ok if you want to trash other people’s UIs – just make sure you’ve actually used it first, and be prepared to offer a fix!
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