User Interface Analysis and Design - The Process

The analysis and design process for user interfaces is iterative that is represented using a spiral model. User interface analysis and design process consists of four framework activities:
- User, task and environment analysis and modeling.
- Interface design.
- Interface construction.
- Interface validation.
The construction activity involves prototyping. Interface analysis focuses on the profile of users who will interact with system. Different user categories are defined. Requirements are obtained for each user category.

After the requirements are defined, detailed task analysis is conducted. Tasks performed by users are identified, described, and elaborated. The analysis of user environment focuses on physical work environment.Things that one should know about the environment as the user interface design begins are:
- Physical location of interface.
- Will the user sitting, standing or performing some other tasks unrelated to interface?
- Does the interface hardware accommodate space, light, or noise constraints?
- Any human factors that are driven by environmental factors?

- Analysis model is created using the information gathered from analysis activity.
- Design activity starts using analysis model as a basis.
- Interface design defines a set of interface objects and actions.
- Construction activity begins with creation of prototype that enables usage scenarios to be evaluated.
- Validation focuses on interface ability to implement every user task correctly, degree to which interface is easy to use and learn and users' acceptance of the interface.