文档介绍：User-Centered Information Design
for Improved Software Usability
User-Centered Information Design
for Improved Software Usability
Pradeep Henry
Artech House
Boston • London
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Henry, Pradeep.
User-centered information design for improved software usability /
Pradeep Henry.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 0-89006-946-8 (alk. paper)
1. User interfaces (Computer systems) 2. Application software—
Development I. Title
1998
’28—dc21 98-6544
CIP
British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
Henry, Pradeep.
User-centered information design for improved software usability
1. puter interaction
I. Title
004’.019
ISBN 0-89006-946-8
Cover design by Elaine K. Donnelly
© 1998 ARTECH HOUSE, INC.
685 Canton Street
Norwood, MA 02062
All rights reserved. Printed and bound in the United States of America. No part of this book
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cluding photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, with-
out permission in writing from the publisher.
All terms mentioned in this book that are known to be trademarks or service marks have
been appropriately capitalized. Artech House cannot attest to the accuracy of this informa-
tion. Use of a term in this book should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trade-
mark or service mark.
International Standard Book Number: 0-89006-946-8
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 98-6544
**********
To the memory of Della,
an unassuming achiever who believed I could achieve anything.
Contents
Preface xvii
1 Information: Its Role in Software Usability 1
Software users: what they do, what they need 2
Users perform tasks 2
Users need to learn or recall specific knowledge 4
The wide gap between users and software 5
Why does the gap exist? 5