Abstract: Gould's (1987) iterative design principle was applied to the design and development of a large, complex interface. Specific challenges we faced in implementing his recommended design approach included the sheer volume of panels in the interface, communication across the design team, excess baggage stemming from the previous interface, management of design changes, and translation into multiple languages. Our methods of facing those challenges are documented, and the lessons we learned in the process are detailed.

Keywords: Analysis; Case studies; Complex systems; Design; Development process; Interactive design; Localization; Management; Screen output; Translation

Originally published: Proceedings of the Human Factors Society 34th Annual Meeting, 1990, pp. 1103-1107

Republished: G. Perlman, G. K. Green, & M. S. Wogalter (Eds.) Human Factors Perspectives on Human-Computer Interaction: Selections from Proceedings of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meetings, 1983-1994, Santa Monica, CA: HFES, 1995, pp. 220-224.