the science of successful apps!

SUCCESSFUL APPSDiscover what you should

look for when launching an app for your Worthy Cause!

THE SCIENCE OF

© 2014 InspireHUB Inc.

DEFININGSCIENCE

SCIENCE noun \ s -ən(t)s\ ˈ īthe intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment."the world of science and technology"synonyms: branch of knowledge, body of knowledge/information, area of study, discipline, field


WHAT SCIENCE IS USEDWHEN DEVELOPING APPS

Computer Science

Cognitive Science

the science that deals with the theory and methods of processing information in digital computers, the design of computer hardware and software, and the applications of computers.

a science or branch of learning, as psychology or sociology, that derives its concepts from observation of the behavior of living organisms.

Behavioral Science

an interdisciplinary science that draws on many fields (as psychology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, and philosophy) in developing theories about human perception, thinking, and learning.

DESIGN REALLY GREAT APPS?

UX/UI DesignUser Experience (abbreviated: UX) and User Interface (abbreviated: UI) Design incorporates the various sciences that work together to create an experience a person has when interacting with a specific design.


HOW ARE THESE SCIENCES USED TO

All the aspects of how people use an interactive

product: the way it feels in their hands, how well they understand how it works, how they feel about it while

they’re using it, how well it serves their purposes, and how well it fits

into the entire contextin which they are using it.

- Alben (1996)

OTHER UX/UIDEFINITIONS

A consequence of a user’s internal state (predispositions,

expectations, needs, motivation, mood, etc.), the characteristics of the designed

system (e.g. complexity, purpose, usability, functionality, etc.) and the context (or the environment) within which the interaction occurs (e.g. organisational/social setting,

meaningfulness of the activity, voluntariness of use, etc.)

- Hassenzahl & Tractinsky (2006)


An activity of encounter by a computer user with the auditory and visual presentation of a collection

of computer programs. It is important to note that this

includes only what the user perceives and not all that is presented. - Microsoft


1 | MinimalistSimple, straightforward, clean, transparent- Humans have limited memory.- It ends up we prefer less choices not

more. Read Here- Miller’s Law (produced in 1956) describes

the magical number of 7 about the number of objects the average human can hold in working memory. Read Here

- Clutter is eliminated which includes all non-essentials whenever possible.

- Flat design has captured the attention for its usefulness in this area.

- Essentially, the simpler, the better!

WHAT THREE ELEMENTS DOESGREAT UX HAVE IN COMMON

1| Minimalist 2 | Utilitarian 3 | Non-Manipulative

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Paradox_of_Choice



2 | UtilitarianUseful, engaging, practical, saves time- Focused in on the actual needs.- Removes un-necessary “fluff” that provides

no practical use. (ex. MP3 players did “more” than iPods. What is more popular?)

- Measurable- Resolves real-world problems- Developed with human-behavior in mind

(ex. Not what do “we” want them to do but what will “they” actually do!)



3 | Non-ManipulativeHonest, personal, direct, joyful

Rejects the evils of UX techniques including:-Convoluted language-Confusing forms that trick people into doing something they wouldn’t otherwise (like signing up, registering, etc.)-Trying to appear to be something they are not (bigger, better, etc.)-Makes it simple (see points 1 and 2) to quit if the user no longer wants to continue.



GREAT UX DESIGNSECRET SAUCE


Various research uncovers interesting conclusions about providing items in a grouping of three.•Recent research shows that providing 3 options creates confidence, but 4 or more creates alarm. Read Here•The rule of three is a writing principle that things that come in three are more effective than other numbers of things. Read Here•As reviewed, the upper capacity of memory is 7 ( + or – 2) . Whenever possible, putting things into three steps ENSURES a great UX experience! (Note, sometimes it’s not possible but try to aim high!)

The Power of Three

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN GREAT UX DESIGN


Simple and CleanIs the tool uncluttered?Can you easily navigate?How quickly can you understand the system and put that into action?Is what is offered useful?

Behavior Based In this case the tool is separated by user behavior (Communicate, View, Manage). With limited training the user should be able to intuitively figure out the functions of the system.

The Power of ThreeThis provides an obvious example (with color) of the power of three, but also notice the overall design is also a simple design of three with 1) a top navigation bar, 2) a left hand navigation menu, and 3) a main menu in the center.

“Yes, we’re bragging a little here, but to be fair we worked really, really, hard to make this simple

and it wasn’t easy!”

Dashboard ExampleDashboard Example

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN GREAT UX DESIGN


Simple and CleanUsers love clean flat design. Menu is simple and straight forward.No unnecessary clutter.

Behavior Based In this case the user considers which behavior they would prefer to do:-Read-Watch-Act

The Power of ThreeThe menu is divided into three distinct sections. (Remember, three is the ideal goal but it’s ok if there is the occasional additional item as long as it doesn’t become excessive.)

App ExampleApp Example

CONNECT WITH USON OUR IHUBAPP


}Bookmark on your iPhone or Android:

http://inspirehub.ihubapp.org

Receive stories and watch videos on growing your Worthy Cause (Non-Profit or Charity) FREE (no need to register)

Become a FREE Registered User to receive: Exclusive tips through the Instant Message

Center, Get to vote on upcoming features and tools

to the InspireHUB platform, & Have a direct line to give us YOUR requests.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?RESEARCH LINKS WE LOVE


Charles L. Mauro CHFPThe Science Behind User Experience UX Design and Usability Testinghttp://www.mauronewmedia.com/blog/the-science-behind-user-experience-ux-design-and-usability-testing/

Apala LahiriStaying Competitive through Strategic UX Designhttp://info.humanfactors.com/acton/attachment/4167/4167:f-00e0/1/

David KelleyHuman-centered Designhttp://www.ted.com/talks/david_kelley_on_human_centered_design?language=en

Please Note: InspireHUB has no connection or affiliation with those listed. The opinions expressed below are the exclusive opinions of those individuals. We are just fans and thought you may enjoy!

the science of successful apps!

Technology