Multimedia user interface design process

The user interface design process for multimedia is an iterative, user-centred sequence of steps that moves from understanding users to testing the finished interface.

 Requirement analysis
        |
 User & task analysis
        |
 Design (structure, layout, media)
        |
 Prototype
        |
 Implementation
        |
 Evaluation/testing --> (feedback loop back to design)

Steps

1. Requirement analysis. Find out what the system must do, the goals, content, platform and budget. Method: interviews, questionnaires, studying similar systems.
2. User and task analysis. Identify the target users (age, skill, language, disabilities) and the tasks they perform, in the order they perform them. This decides what the interface must support.
3. Design the structure. Decide the navigation structure (linear, hierarchical, network) and the flow between screens, using storyboards or flowcharts.
4. Design the layout and media. Plan each screen: position of text, graphics, audio, video and controls; choose colours, fonts and icons; follow design guidelines (consistency, feedback, simplicity).
5. Prototype. Build a quick low-fidelity version (paper sketches, wireframes) and then a working high-fidelity one so users can try it early.
6. Implementation. Develop the final interface using authoring tools or programming (for example Flash, Director, HTML5).
7. Evaluation and testing. Test with real users: usability tests, observation, questionnaires. Check ease of use, errors, speed and satisfaction.
8. Iteration and maintenance. Feed the results back, fix problems and refine. Repeat until goals are met; update after release.

Example: for a school e-learning CD, analysis finds the users are 10-year-olds with limited reading ability. The design therefore uses large icons, narration and a simple linear lesson flow. A paper prototype is tested with some children, their confusion about the back button is noted, and the button is redesigned before final release.