Fundamental Study on an Intuitive Interface Design Theory

- Approach from Viewpoint of Organization and Familiarity -

Abstract

In recent years, as information equipment has become multi-functional, an easy-to-use interface has been demanded. Particularly, an interface design that can be operated intuitively is urgently required. Therefore, we have re-examined this problem from the point of view of familiarity and organization along the flow of execution of user behavior for the design method, characteristics, and the meaning of an intuitive interface by use of a literature search, a questionnaire survey, and experiments. Based on our results, after reviewing patterns that combine the recognition and operation by a user, we classified interfaces into four types. As a result, we have clarified the characteristics and requirements of an intuitive interface and design guidelines which form the methodological framework of an intuitive interface design. The current study focused on information terminals using a touch panel, but the design guidelines proposed should be applicable to the interface design of various devices.