For this task, I utilized my previous work from project two to assist me, as I needed a refresher on the distinctions between the 7 design principles. I referred to both the Oliver Bonas project and revisited the project brief to reinforce my understanding.
- Discoverability: This principle pertains to the ease with which users can navigate a system and find specific features. I analyzed elements like the trolley icon, which, though unconventional (as most online retailers use a basket icon), conveys its purpose effectively. The heart icon also serves as a semantic code, representing user preferences. Identifying clear buttons, promotional codes, and a navigation bar enabled me to critically evaluate the website and determine areas for improvement in my own design.
- Feedback: Feedback is about providing clear information to users regarding the actions they’ve taken and what they’ve accomplished. I observed how toggles change color when clicked and how the number by the trolley icon increases as items are added. However, compared to the Oliver Bonas website, this site provided limited feedback, which, in my opinion, could be improved for a better user experience.
- Affordances, Conceptual Models, Signifiers, and Mapping: These principles are interrelated on the website. I noticed instances where affordances were evident, such as carousel arrows signaling the ability to navigate to the next slide, plus and minus icons indicating item quantity adjustment, and an off/on switch changing color when activated. This switch also serves as a conceptual model as it resembles a real-life switch, although it may give the website a somewhat outdated feel.
- Constraints: There were limited examples of constraints on the website, and the few that I identified appeared somewhat outdated. An exception was the checkout button, which was prominently displayed in purple, encouraging user interaction.
In conclusion, this task significantly enhanced my understanding of Don Norman’s design principles.
