Apple’s discussion of Human Interface Guidelines raises a number of principles that are useful for achieving the dual objectives of maximizing impact and reach of many of today’s information presentation media. Among the principles outlined aesthetic integrity, use of metaphors and feedback are noteworthy for maintaining good design and enhancing user interaction.
Aesthetic Integrity
Aesthetic Integrity refers to maintaining a minimum of obtrusive graphics and making function integral to the overall behaviour of the media system. While in the context of app design for the iOS systems (i.e., iPhones and iPads), this principle would entail reducing graphics clutter as much as possibly to enhance ease of interaction, in the context of presentation of ideas on the Internet and web design, reducing graphics clutter is very helpful for ensuring focus on the fundamentals aim of presentation.
Metaphors
Apple’s discussion surrounding use of metaphors is a fresh reading on use of familiar, everyday experiences to navigate and enhance learning. One of the classic examples of Apple implementation of metaphors in the iOS system is the type of animation that is used to flick through pages of a book. Another example is swiping a screen out of the way to expose the layer underneath as one would move a page in the physical world to wok with the layer underneath the page of a physical paper.
Feedback
Action should clearly show consequences. Use of unobtrusive feedback can be an aid in enhancing interaction with the system of presentation (e.g., a graphic user interface or a web site). Timely feedback can be an effective tool for engaging the user with the system. In the context of a website, properly deployed feedback can be an effective aid in maintaining users on the website.
Overall, Apple’s discussion of Human Interface Guidelines are valuable to keep in mind while planning any user interface design, especially in the age of over-exposure to mass of data on the Internet.