Professional Ajax, 2nd Edition

1.4. Ajax Principles

As a new web application model, Ajax is still in its infancy. However, several web developers have taken this new development as a challenge. The challenge is to define what makes a good Ajax web application versus what makes a bad or mediocre one. Michael Mahemoff (www.mahemoff.com), a software developer and usability expert, identified several key principles of good Ajax applications that are worth repeating:

• Minimal traffic: Ajax applications should send and receive as little information as possible to and from the server. In short, Ajax can minimize the amount of traffic between the client and the server. Making sure that your Ajax application doesn't send and receive unnecessary information adds to its robustness.

• No surprises: Ajax applications typically introduce different user interaction models than traditional web applications. As opposed to the web standard of click-and-wait, some Ajax applications use other user interface paradigms such as drag-and-drop or double-clicking. No matter what user interaction model you choose, be consistent so that the user knows what to do next.

• Established conventions: Don't waste time inventing new user interaction models that your users will be unfamiliar with. Borrow heavily from traditional web applications and desktop applications, so there is a minimal learning curve.

• No distractions: Avoid unnecessary and distracting page elements such as looping animations and blinking page sections. Such gimmicks distract the ...