Software Design Pattern
Developing software design is exciting especially for those who are into graphics and designs. To develop a better software, designs should be appropriate and functional at all times. And for this to happen, designs patterns were introduced in software engineering.
Software design pattern serves as general reusable solution to a problem in a software design. This kind of idea was created by architect Christopher Alexander and eventually applied in software engineering.
In software engineering a lot of design patterns were made so programmers can have an option in reusing it to provide a solution to a specific problem. Software design pattern has the list of best practices which was proven in a way that the programmers can reuse it effectively because errors are minimize already. On the other hand, object-oriented design patterns show relationship and interaction between classes or objects. This can be use in programming method like in functional and also there is design patterns for those programming paradigms.
Interaction design patterns are applied in human-computer interaction to describe common designs for GUI. One of the examples here is the UML class diagram which is common in software engineering. This can be used in documenting by reusing those types of designs.
In creating GUI guidelines should be use in designing and there should be also standards set for different platform like in web and mobile.
Universal Design
In universal design it is discourage to target your customer because universal means applicable to all. Regardless of nationality, gender, age, color, capability, and many more, universal design were created to cater many users. This design promotes simplicity and easier to use.
Types of Universal Design
Usable. The design of product and its environment to be usable by a large number of people without the need for adaptation. Conduct usability test to assess and determine the level of simplicity of the design.
Accessible. The needs of people with disabilities are considered. In general, products, services, and facilities can be independently used by people with special needs.
Inclusive. A philosophy in designing that means accepting diverse people in order to engage with organization, products, and services.
The Principles of Universal Design
Equitable Use. This design is useful and marketable to any group of users.
Flexibility in Use. Accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
Simple and Intuitive. Understandable design because even the user do not have experience, knowledge, language, skills, or current concentration level.
Perceptible Information. This design has something to do with communication of information to user despite of any conditions or user’s sensory abilities.
Tolerance for Error. The design minimizes hazards and adverse of unintended actions.
Low Physical Effort. The design can be efficiently and comfortably with minimum of fatigue.
Size and Space for Approach and Use. Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and user’s size and mobility.
To sum it up, universal design markets usability and promotes equality.