Designing with the Mind in Mind: The Psychological Basis for UI Design Rules

UI design rules are not simple recipes to be applied mindlessly. Applying them effectively requires determining their applicability (and precedence) in specific situations. It also requires balancing the trade-offs that inevitably arise in situations when design rules appear to contradict each other. Understanding the psychology underlying the design rules enhances the ability of UI designers and evaluators to interpret and apply the rules effectively. Explaining that psychology is the focus of Jeff's new book: "Designing with the Mind in Mind" (Morgan Kaufmann, 2010).

Jeff will explain why he wrote the book and describe some of the more interesting facts about human perception and cognition that impact how software should be designed.