What is an interface?

A software interface is the part of an application that the user sees and interacts with. It is related to, but not the same as, the underlying structure, architecture, and code that makes the software work. The interface includes the screens, windows, controls, menus, metaphors, online help, documentation, and training. Anything the user sees and interacts with is part of the interface.

Why intelligent interface design?

From the user’s point of view, the interface is the software.

There is a body of knowledge about how the people think, learn, and work. Intelligent interface design taps into that body of knowledge and applies it to the design of a software interface.

An intelligent interface is easy to learn and use. It allows users to do their work or perform a task in the way that makes the most sense to them, rather than having to adjust to the software. An intelligent interface is specially designed for the people who will be using it. It maximizes what we know about human strengths, for example, analysis and decision making, and minimizes what we know are human limitations, for example, memory and complex computations. It takes the environment, tasks, and experience of the people using the product into account in its design.

Well-designed interfaces reduce errors, training time and costs, make people more productive, result in superior customer service, and get used. With intelligent interface design you can improve software, save money on reworks, and get the interface right the first time.