This document discusses key design considerations for information processing including affordances, natural mapping, feedback, simplicity, and consistency. Affordances refer to characteristics that suggest how something is used. Natural mapping means the physical arrangement of controls should match the arrangement of functions. Feedback ensures actions have immediate, visible effects. Simplicity means removing unnecessary elements and allowing elements to play multiple roles. Consistency calls for limiting unnecessary variations among similar elements and products.

1. INFORMATION PROCESSING Lauralee Flores, M.S.

2. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

3. AFFORDANCES Characteristics of something that suggest how the thing can be used. Chair is for sitting Knob is for turning Button is for pushing Drop-down box is for selection Navigation and use of the system should provide clear affordances Where should I begin? Where am I?

4. NATURAL MAPPING Physical arrangement of controls should match arrangement of function Light switches Turn signals Stove burners Natural Constraints

5. FEEDBACK Action should have immediate, visible effects Push buttons Select an option in the menu Video Games Kinds of feedback Visual Audio Haptic

6. SIMPLICITY Less is More Remove inessential elements Can one element play multiple roles effectively? Don’t crowd

7. CONSISTENCY Look and feel Limit inessential variations among elements Throughout similar products

8. SUMMARY Scissors Affordances Holes for insertion of fingers Blades for cutting Natural Mapping Implications clear of how the operating parts work Feedback Immediately evident whether functioning correctly or not Simplicity No unneeded design elements Consistency A scissors standard