9 Golden Rules

Keep the interface simple
Since we have considered this rule as one of the most important rules, we have tried to implement it in every step of the prototype design. This task was nevertheless hard simply because of the fact that this system does not have a specific user group. The location of the system makes it available for everyone. We focused basically on the natural mappings, trying to make the interface as intuitive as possible. Thinking the whole time about the way the system is going to be used, we developed the system in such a way that it strongly resembles a normal procedure for finding one’s way in a big city.

Speek the user's language
All dialogues and information presented on the interface uses straightforward words that any user can understand. We have not used any specific or technical terms. As the system will also be used by people whose native language is not the English language, we have avoided terms that are typical for some country. For example, that is why we decided to use the term “Trains” instead of “Underground” or” Subway”

Be cosistent and predictable
All the information presented is consistent. The information pane that appears on the right side always contains information in the same format and order. The colors and fonts are also consistent. The system is predictable in a way that no unwanted information is presented. The panes, routes and layers appear on the user’s request.

Provide feedback
Feedback is always provided whenever a user makes an action. For example, when the user types the destination in his mobile phone, he is able to see the filtering of the list according to the typed letters. Whenever a button is pressed, the user immediately sees the change.

Minimize memory load
There is absolutely no memory load for the user. The possible functions and actions are visible and clear. And finally, the presented transportation information can be transferred to the mobile phone.

Avoid errors, help to recover, offer Undo
There are not many errors that can be made. The only error that can be made is for example, if the user tries to find a street or station that does not exist. In this case, the error message “no match” will appear in the list (not implemented yet). In the sense of recovering, when a user tries to type a destination that does not exist, the list filter will stop at the last correct letter. The filter will stop at the nearest term in the list.

Design clear exits and closed dialogs
The connection to the system will be terminated if there is no interaction from the user for 20 seconds. After 20 seconds, the user will receive a warning message saying “Press YES if you want to disconnect”. If there is no interaction from the user for another 10 seconds, the system will send another message saying “Your session has expired” and at the same time the system will close the connection and prepare itself for another user(not implemented yet).

Include help and documentation
The system offers a help button with short instructions about how to use the system.

Offer shortcuts for experts
The map can be moved by moving the mobile phone in the direction the user wants the map to move. The filtering of the list can also be considered as a shortcut in a sense that the user can type the destination in his mobile phone instead of scrolling the list.

3 Additional Rules

Quick response
The purpose of the system is to provide transportation information. Normally, people do not have a lot of time wher they are in the underground station waiting for a train. Another important reason for this rule is that our system does not support more users interacting with it at the same time. Therefore, the waiting time should be minimal.

Distinguish the source of feedback
While the user is interacting with the system, his attention is normally focused on the screen and not on his mobile phone. The user receives messages and feedback both on the screen and on his mobile phone. Therefore it is very important that the source of feedback is distinguished. This will be done by playing a sound every time the user receives a message on his mobile phone. It will be a beep sound, it will not be distracting, and will be loud just enough to get the user’s attention.

Aesthetic and minimalist design
The displayed information is very concise and only the desired information is shown. For example, the place information is shown only if selected. As for the aesthetics part, we used the Gestalt laws in order to influence the user's perception. One example is the Gestalt law of closure, used in the right pane.