Task orientation in user interface design

This article outlines some ideas for the design of user interfaces for computer systems and consumer electronics used for specific and well-defined tasks. The basis of the discussion is found in Norman’s notion of task orientation. Prevailing design approaches, namely standardisation efforts and rules for human-computer interaction, are criticised. The alternative presented is specialisation of interaction mechanisms in accordance with the task, and user guidance with a limited set of possible actions. The article is mainly theoretical, but includes a concrete design of two prototypes for different communication services as examples.