Useability Guidelines For Enterprise Applications

• Provide a clear navigation model

Core features should be available from the main view. Limit the number of menu choices and make them context specific. Navigation model should be focused on the user's main tasks. Advanced functionality should be hidden from novice users.

• Use familiar language

Use terms that are familiar to the user and relates to the users' tasks and goals. Terminology should be consistent. Localize: target users' native language should be used.

• Hide the complexity of connectivity

Network problems should not cause loss of users' work or stop them from working. Connection status should be displayed clearly. Synchronization should be automatic but under user control.

• Provide useful feedback

Let the user know immediately if an action was successful or not. If processing takes more than 0.25 seconds, indicate that something is happening, for example, with a progress bar.

• Be consistent with controls

Minimize errors and the need for learning by using softkeys. Build shortcuts for advanced users, use shortcuts similar to other applications. Make sure that the most important actions are also available in the Options menu.

• Provide a simple Options menu

Navigation key default action(s) should also be available in an Options menu. Sort items in the Options menu according to the style guidelines. Main actions should be available without scrolling.

• Use tabs wisely

The most essential functionality should be provided in the first tab. Underlying tabs can be used to hide advanced functionality. If more than five tabs are needed, use a list for accessing the tabs (see the Settings application). Text is preferable to icons in tab titles.

• Make information entry easy

Instead of text entry, prefer alternative forms of information entry, such as selecting from a list or capturing images. Offer reasonable default values. Focus should always be easily movable with the arrow keys.

• Display information clearly

Display the most relevant information first. Essential information should not be displayed with icons only. Use colors and symbols for highlighting and grouping items.

• Provide help

Context-sensitive help should be provided in the application. Give step-by-step guidance when the user is accomplishing difficult tasks. More detailed help should be provided on a Web site or in the user guide.

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© 2008 John Michael Pierobon

Notes