Taking a short break from the developer’s side of things – we have a guest post from the designer of our MeshTop team. She talks briefly about designing with the purpose of integrating a software into another as a plug-in.
“The main goal of user interface design, is to develop a way to allow users to use products simply and conveniently. The functions of any products are realized by the interaction between human and machine, including color matching, style, and design; so the the main factor of UI design should be focused on the human cognition, and should be reflected as the central idea in the design.
The overall design tone of the interface in MeshTop takes its basis from Outlook, in order to smoothly integrate MeshTop and Outlook in a manner that avoids any disjointed feel between the two interfaces. Harmony with Outlook, whether in the aspect of Color Site Text font or button design, is the goal for avoiding visual fatigue of users and also gives a comfortably meshed feeling for the users.”
Clearly, using the design of Outlook as a basis for the UI definitely isn’t the most exciting and creatively freeing guideline to follow, but it comes back down to the focus on the user – how will the user receive a plugin that is a creative masterpiece, but is disjointed and has no relation to the base product as an add-in software?
We would love to hear some of your experiences as designers who have designed within restrictions – what are your stories?
(Image from: Better By Design)
Tags: Design, meshtop, outlook, User Interface
