Complex Application Usability

Complex apps have to be learned. The user needs to “want” to learn the intricacies of the app. Discoverability is crucial.

1. Complex is often mission critical
2. Confidence in the app is crucial
3. The user must learn to do things succesfully

1. The user must see the possibilities of the app
2. The user must feel good using the app
3. Generating community will help to solve problems and promote zealotry

• Good website design
• Active forums/mailing lists
• IRC Help

• Emphasize the purpose(s)
• Push a workflow
  1. Complex applications are where users spend the majority of time
  2. Giving the one primary way to do things helps to emphasize patterns
  3. The patterns should be reflective of the rest of the environment
  4. Use the users history to emphasize your interface
  5. The work flow should be easy to discover

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