Week 3 assignment

The actual definition from a technology stand point of the word "Interface" is the boundary across two independent systems that meet and act or communicate with each other. An example would the users interaction with the computer by the way of keyboard, mouse, and through the operating system. Here are some of the criteria of a good user interface. First the interface must be clear. A clear interface helps prevent users from making errors and registers information to the user in a way that makes important information understandable and obvious. Secondly the user interface must be consistent. A consistent interface allows users to apply previously learned knowledge to a new task. Rather then learning something brand new, the interface must flow consistently in order for users continue to actively learn from the computer. Interfaces must also be simple. Making a simple interface design allows users easy access to what needs to be achieve. If the interface design was not simple to navigate, users would give up and move on to a different interface design. User-controlled interface are important in a good interface design. Allowing users to control the actions rather then the computer helps stimulate their learning and keeps them active within their technology. User interface must be direct. Users must see the visible cause and effect relationship between actions they take and the objects on the screen. Doing so allows users to know that they are in charge of the computers activity. Users are human and like human we all make mistakes. A forgiving interface is necessary to allow users to go back and correct mistakes. User actions must be reversible. A good interface allows for trial and error so users can learn from their mistakes. A feedback system keeps users informed and will provide immediate feedback. The feedback will help designers and learners how to improve their end of the line work. These are some of the criteria of a good user interface.

The two websites that I've chosen are fishing websites for which it is one of my past time hobbies. These websites provide vital information to armature anglers who want to learn how to fish.
The first site:
http://www.songslinger.net/articles.html
This site is a simple site made by a full time angler. He is not a web designer but rather an educator of fishing. He is focusing more on fishing tactics rather then web design. His page consist of actively moving animation and bright bold colors that makes it slightly annoying to view. There are way to many graphics and the text are in all sorts of bright colors. This site doesn't show consistency which is an important aspect to good user interface. The site makes users have a lost feeling to it. This site doesn't provide good accessibility's to the disabled. The colors and graphics are excellent examples because if the text and background is fulled with different colors, an individual who has problem seeing colors or even problems seeing, would have to struggle to view this site. Some recommendations that I would offer to the designer is to keep it simple. This site is definitely not simple to use in regards to colors and effect as well as navigating. Users will get confused navigating through this site. Keep the text all in one color, preferably the universal color of black. There are way to much graphics and animation which distracts the user or learner.

The second site:
http://www.fishsniffer.com/content/
This site is more of an informational forum where users interact with each other. This website is another fishing website that educate anglers on fishing tactics, styles, and location. There are plenty of graphics on this site but the graphics don't overwhelm users to the point of confusion and distraction. The site is easy to navigate and is considered simple to understand. This site is user friendly and is very direct. I can not provide recommendations to this site because i believe this site is well designed and accessible. Being that accessibility is not always present, this site offers more accessibility then the first site that was critique. There are videos for people who have learning disorders and could possible be effective for blind or hard seeing individuals.

This weeks topic on accessibility leaves me to believe that we are an adapting society where we will always incorporate the disabled into our every days lives. It might not be fast occurring but rather a slow process that is making it way towards an equal society. I personally don't believe that all websites could be accessible due to the fact that some design elements exist for the purpose of certain clients yet it sets a disadvantage to the disabled.