Introducing students to UI patterns

Abstract

User interface (UI) patterns have the potential to assist students of Human Computer Interaction (HCI) to learn about the principles of design. They can be used to guide students developing a conceptual model of an interface. We investigated how HCI students used a method for developing UI-pattern models and ascertained their views on different pattern forms (illustrated and narrative-only). Data was collected by observation, questionnaires and completed exercises. The findings indicate that students found UI patterns an acceptable medium for presenting UI information, were positive about their experience building UI-pattern models, and that patterns aided communication.