FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness principle in design is quite an important aspect in design. It is so because this principle allows the users to undo, redo, unlike, edit or even to delete a particular item which is not in his or her favour. It gives a chance for the users to correct their mistakes and also for self-improvements.
Reversibility of an action
Example 1: Waze application
Source: Print screen from own mobile using the Waze application
Explanation:
While using the application Waze while driving, we might accidentally took the wrong turn and ended up in another road, forgiveness principle which is applied into Waze causes it to recalculate our directions without being faulty or angry.
Reversibility of an action
Example 1: Waze application
Source: Print screen from own mobile using the Waze application
Explanation:
While using the application Waze while driving, we might accidentally took the wrong turn and ended up in another road, forgiveness principle which is applied into Waze causes it to recalculate our directions without being faulty or angry.
Example 2: Auto correct in smartphones
Source: Screenshot from mobile
Explanation:
Wrong spelled words typed in the message box are given spelling suggestions and it is highlighted blue to alert the user about his or her wrong input or mistake so that the user can replace the wrong spelled word with the correct one.
Source: Screenshot from mobile
Explanation:
Wrong spelled words typed in the message box are given spelling suggestions and it is highlighted blue to alert the user about his or her wrong input or mistake so that the user can replace the wrong spelled word with the correct one.
Confirmation
Users are given a chance to verify and finalize their decision.
Example: Deletion of files from the storage of the computer
Source: Print screen from desktop
Explanation:
Based on the example as shown below, a user who had made the choice to delete a file will be asked for his or her confirmation of deletion.
Users are given a chance to verify and finalize their decision.
Example: Deletion of files from the storage of the computer
Source: Print screen from desktop
Explanation:
Based on the example as shown below, a user who had made the choice to delete a file will be asked for his or her confirmation of deletion.
Warnings
Warnings are signs and symbols that are used to warn users of danger to avoid mishap or accidents.
Example: A notice to tells users that the floor is wet and slippery.
Source: This picture was taken at CAIS, Level 2 near Female Washroom.
Explanation:
This notice as shown below warns the students about the wet floor so that care is taken.
Warnings are signs and symbols that are used to warn users of danger to avoid mishap or accidents.
Example: A notice to tells users that the floor is wet and slippery.
Source: This picture was taken at CAIS, Level 2 near Female Washroom.
Explanation:
This notice as shown below warns the students about the wet floor so that care is taken.
Safety Nets
Minimization of negative results
Example: Baby's stroller
Source: Own
Explanation:
The baby stroller has an additional feature or design which is boxed red as shown in the example below. This is a safety feature that provide a more security for the baby and protect the baby from falling forward if the stroller happened to be stopped suddenly.
Minimization of negative results
Example: Baby's stroller
Source: Own
Explanation:
The baby stroller has an additional feature or design which is boxed red as shown in the example below. This is a safety feature that provide a more security for the baby and protect the baby from falling forward if the stroller happened to be stopped suddenly.
Help
Help provides information to users who are having difficulties to operate a particular system or design.
Example: The help button in the menu bar of Adobe Reader
Source: Print screen from desktop
Explanation:
When the 'Help' button is selected, a user will be exposed to information which may aid them in their understandings and to clear their confusions.
Help provides information to users who are having difficulties to operate a particular system or design.
Example: The help button in the menu bar of Adobe Reader
Source: Print screen from desktop
Explanation:
When the 'Help' button is selected, a user will be exposed to information which may aid them in their understandings and to clear their confusions.
As a summary, In design,
- forgiveness helps to avoid errors before they happen.
- minimizes negative consequences of errors when they happen.
- provides a sense of security & stability which fosters a readiness to learn, explore & use the design.