1.2 In your own words, write a summary of the article and provide critical analysis/discussion on the topic of the article (300 – 350 words).
To create rhythm and unity in a webpage design is all about having consistency. (Lynch., & Horton., 2004) This allows users to navigate efficiently through the context displayed and gather the relevant information quickly, so they are able to focus on the task at hand. There are four kinds of consistency in a design, aesthetic, functional, internal and external. (Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J., 2003)
Aesthetic consistency is about the style and appearance of a design or brand. For companies to be established for their quality and status, they have a recognizable logo that consistency uses the same font and graphics. (Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J., 2003) For example ‘Apple’ is well established for their modern features and innovative design with all their products and their logo is commonly on the back of the product for promotion and admiration.
Functional consistency is about meanings and how it is used. This consistency is designed around people pre-existing knowledge. (Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J., 2003) This makes it easier for people to approach things because their existing knowledge of icons, buttons, signs and actions. (N. Falkner., February 25, 2012)
Internal consistency is a set of elements that are consistent of each other and is part of a system. This enables people not to be surprised of the design system because the elements should function consistently with each other. (Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J., 2003)
External consistency is about objects, materials and systems that are within the environment an example of this would be alarms within a plant site. (M. Zuschlag., July 19, 2010) External consistency expands on from internal consistency within the different systems and is difficult to achieve due to the different designs. (Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J., 2003)
The reason consistency is in a design principals is because this helps products to be easily recognized and approached due to past knowledge and allows the product to be as close, as possible, to what the user want.
Falkner, N. (February 25, 2012). Consistency: Doning the same thing can be useful. Retrieved from http://nickfalkner.wordpress.com/2012/02/25/consistency-doing-the-same-thing-can-be-useful/
Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J. (2003). Aesthetic‐Usability Effect. In Universal Principles of Design (pp. 46). Massachusetts: Rockport.
Spool, J. (September 15th, 2005). Consistency in design is the wrong approach. User Interface Engineering. Retrieved from http://www.uie.com/brainsparks/2005/09/15/consistency-in-design-is-the-wrong-approach/
Zuschlag, M. (July 19, 2010). Achieving and balancing consistency in user interface design. UXmatters. Retrieved from UXmaters website: http://www.uxmatters.com/mt/archives/2010/07/achieving-and-balancing-consistency-in-user-interface-design.php
2.2 Study 3 examples (e.g. products found in everyday surroundings) that meet the principle of consistency. Provide a reasoned explanation for each example why they meet the design principle (300 – 350 words).
Traffic Lights
Traffic Lights
Around the world there are several designs that are recognisable. One we see everyday when driving, it is the traffic light. This is a functional consistency design, which means that people know what to do at these lights due to the same design and pre-existing knowledge. Design vertically the traffic lights have three coloured lights. Starting at with the red light at the top that signals the car to ‘stop’, yellow or amber that signals ‘slow down or prepare to stop’ and the last light is green which signals ‘go.’
Fire Alarms
Fire Alarm
In plants or construction sites, schools or business offices across the world their systems and designs maybe different but when it comes to the fire alarms they are all the same. The red flashing light in relation with the alarm means danger. Most places also have a voice over stating that the alarm is not a drill and to proceed with emergence evacuation.
Apple
Apple Products
Apple has become one of the biggest electronic device company in the world. In fact, more then 50% of Americans have an Apple product and 1 in 10 homes that do not own one are planning to purchase one within the next year. (J. Golson., March 28, 2012) The Apple logo, which is a graphic of an apple, and is an aesthetic consistency which means when people see this logo it represents the high quality style and appearance of the product.(Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J., 2003)
Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler, J. (2003). Aesthetic‐Usability Effect. In Universal Principles of Design (pp. 46). Massachusetts: Rockport.
J. Golson., (March 28, 2012). 51% of US households own an apple product. MacRumors. Retrieved from http://www.macrumors.com/2012/03/28/51-of-us-households-own-an-apple-product/
