User-Centered GUI Standards Design: A Case Study

Abstract

Many organizations are aware of the benefits of standardizing their GUIs and go to the effort of creating their own standards. However. oftentimes the standards languish on the desk of human factors specialists, and fail to impact those who actually design and develop software user interfaces. Best practice. as reported in the literature. includes involving the end user. understanding the user's needs. providing flexibility. and allowing for evolution. This case study describes how a project to create GUI standards at a large telecommunications corporation attempted to follow these guidelines. while working under a tight schedule.