Application and Utility of a Human System Interface Style Guide

Abstract

The focus of this paper is the utility and application of a Human System Interface (HSI) Style Guide. There are a number of reasons for the routine adaptation of a tool such as a style guide. First, consistent application of human factors guidelines, methods and principles is ensured in the design of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs). Secondly, a style guide is a mechanism for integrating human factors early into the development of any system or process. A HSI style guide is also an explicit resource for designers responsible for user interface, standards and principles. Moreover, serving as a reference manual, a style guide positively impacts user interface design as well as implementation decisions and accompanying rationale. Finally, through the descriptive content and structure, the style guide communicates human factors processes thus allowing for full integration with all associated disciplines in design processes. Consequently, all those involved (designers, implementers, managers and reviewers or evaluators) in the GUI design and development process benefit from style guide application.