Interface Design & Documentation

Good Interface Design

User interfaces should be:

• Clear - Easy to understand purpose and actions
• Consistent - Same elements behave the same way
• Efficient - Minimise steps to complete tasks
• Accessible - Usable by people with different abilities
• Error-preventing - Validate input and provide clear feedback

Design Principles

• Use appropriate controls (text boxes, drop-downs, checkboxes)
• Group related information together
• Provide clear labels and instructions
• Include navigation aids
• Use colour and typography consistently

Documentation

User Documentation

Helps end users operate the system:

• User guides and manuals
• Quick start guides
• Help screens and tooltips
• FAQs and troubleshooting guides

Technical Documentation

Helps developers maintain the system:

• System requirements
• Database schema
• Data dictionary (field names, types, validation)
• Process documentation

Data Dictionary

Documents the structure of the database: