UX Design Guidelines and Human Memory

Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for organizing the guidelines by interaction design situations rather than keywords?

To focus on the language of the user

To make the guidelines more concise

To associate each guideline with a specific user action (correct)

To emphasize the importance of consistency

What is a key limitation of design guidelines and custom style guides?

They cannot replace a competent and experienced practitioner (correct)

They are not applicable to UX design

They are not based on empirical data

They are too complex to understand

What is a key aspect of human working memory that is relevant to UX design?

Its ability to store an infinite amount of information

Its limitations, which have solid empirical data supporting knowledge (correct)

Its ability to remember everything forever

Its ability to process information quickly

What is the purpose of discussing human memory limitations in the context of UX design guidelines?

To apply the concepts of human working memory to most of the Interaction Cycle parts Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure used to organize the guidelines?

The Interaction Cycle and the User Action Framework (UAF) Signup and view all the answers

What is the warning given to designers regarding the use of guidelines?

Do not follow guidelines blindly Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of relying solely on design guidelines and custom style guides?

A headless chicken guy who is unencumbered by the thought process Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between human memory limitations and the Interaction Cycle?

Human memory limitations apply to most of the Interaction Cycle parts Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is stored locally in the muscles?

Muscle memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of muscle memory in HCI?

To enhance physical actions such as typing Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of 'as-needed' support of memory limitations in design?

It reduces cognitive load Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the organization of UX design guidelines?

UAF structure Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the examples provided in the UX design guidelines?

To demonstrate the universality of design principles Signup and view all the answers

What type of switches can cause a conflict with muscle memory?

Three-way switches Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using 'as-needed' support of memory limitations in design?

Supporting user needs Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the automatic actions performed by athletes and individuals with developed skills?

Muscle memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary duration of sensory memory?

A small fraction of a second to 2 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of working memory in HCI?

To carry information of immediate use in performing tasks Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the storage of a stimulus in the sensory organ?

Sensory persistence Signup and view all the answers

What can extend the duration of short-term memory?

Repetition or rehearsal Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of sensory memory in action?

Watching a movie Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe information in working memory that is no longer needed?

Throw-away data Signup and view all the answers

What can cause the contents of working memory to fade faster?

Proactive interference Signup and view all the answers

How long does working memory typically last?

About 30 seconds Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Guidelines Organization in UX Design

Guidelines are structured around the Interaction Cycle and User Action Framework (UAF) rather than basic keywords.
This organization links guidelines to specific user actions such as planning, assessing feedback, and manipulating objects.
Emphasis on practical application; practitioners should not blindly follow guidelines without critical thinking.

Human Memory Limitations in UX Design

Human memory concepts significantly influence interaction design.
Understanding of memory is supported by strong empirical psychology data.

Sensory Memory

Sensory memory retains information for a brief period, roughly from a fraction of a second up to 2 seconds.
It captures raw sensory data, aiding in immediate comparisons of stimuli, like detecting voice inflections.
Sensory persistence helps integrate fast-moving sequences, such as in films, creating a smooth visual experience.

Short-Term or Working Memory

Working memory lasts about 30 seconds, extendable through repetition or rehearsal.
Proactive interference from other activities can cause rapid fading of information.
Serves as a temporary storage buffer for immediate task-related information, often referred to as "throw-away data."

Muscle Memory

Muscle memory is retained locally in muscles for learned, repetitive actions, crucial for skill mastery, such as in sports.
This memory aids in tasks like typing and is influenced by consistent conventions, like the operation of light switches.
Conflicts can arise in systems with non-standard operations (e.g., three-way switches) that disrupt established muscle memory.

Example Guidelines and Universal Principles

UX design guidelines illustrated through examples from various everyday objects and systems.
Examples highlight universal principles applicable across different contexts, emphasizing practical design relevance.
Selected design examples include common items like hair dryers and automobiles to showcase real-world applications of the guidelines.

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Description

Explore the principles of UX design that focus on the Interaction Cycle and User Action Framework (UAF). Understand how human memory limitations impact interaction design and the practical application of these guidelines. It's essential for practitioners to think critically while applying these strategies.