Designing Effective Speech Interfaces

Simplicity

Simplicity, the seventh law, states: The interface will present elements simply.

Human Factors

The best tool is simple and transparent.

People use their computer as a tool to perform a task. The best tool is simple and transparent. Users should not have to figure out what the tool is and how to use it.

Technology Considerations and Implications

A simple interface takes more time to create than a complicated interface.

The essence of a simple interface is good design. The better the design, the simpler the interface will seem. A simple interface takes more time to create than a complicated interface. Beware of equating lots of features with complexity, or simplicity with too few. An interface that employs simplicity will do just what the user needs it to do and will do it easily. A simple interface is not “interface lite,” but “interface right.”