Human-Computer Interaction Issue - Gmail - Case Study Example

Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Introduction 1 Discussion 2 Human-Computer Interaction Issues 2 Interfacing and Design Principles 4 Recommendations for Improving the Interface Design 7 Conclusion 8 References 9 Introduction Gmail is an advertising-supported email service that is provided by Google. It can be accessed by the users as a secure webmail or IMAP4 and POP3 protocols (Pollard, 2016). Gmail is mainly used for the purposes of sending and receiving emails. In order to use the service, the users must first create an account. This type of email is increasingly becoming popular as it has about 1 billion users located in different parts of the world. It uses requires an online presence by the users (Rutledge, 2015). When using Gmail, the user can send attachments as well as different forms of documents. Gmail utilizes a search-oriented interface as well as conversation view. Currently, the popularity of Gmail is on the increase after it became the first app on the Google Play Store. It has registered millions of installations on Android devices (Rutledge, 2015). The inspection of the interface is important due to its increasing popularity. It is also through the inspection that it will be possible to obtain more information about the user experience as well as its aspects of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). The paper thus inspects the interface in relation its usability, design principles, problems and potential improvements. Discussion Human-Computer Interaction Issues Good design principles, as well as usability, are some of the main factors that influence HCI. The ease of use is one of the main aspects that are desired by the users. When using emails, storage and security are important aspects that the users consider. Storage is a factor that determines the amount of data that the users can store while using the email. Gmail has 15GB storage capacity which is quite high and adequate for most of the users (Pollard, 2016). Plans are also underway to increase the storage capacity so as to enhance the user experience. The high storage capacity has positive effects on the usability of Gmail as well as the user experience. This has seen an improvement in the use of Gmail in terms of storing images, videos and other documents that require a high storage capacity. Gmail has a feature known as Gmail lab which enables the users to test new experimental features such as bookmarking of important email messages. Gmail lab also enables the customization of the keyboard shortcuts and hence impacting positively on the user experience (Rutledge, 2015). However, the Gmail Lab feature is experimental and can be terminated at any time. Categorization of the emails is an important feature that has improved on usability. This is through the presence of a feature known as a tabbed inbox. The categories that have been established in the tabbed inbox include primary, social, promotions, updates and forums. However, the users can disable the tabbed inbox feature in order to facilitate a return to the traditional inbox structure. Spam filtering is an important feature that enables the users to block some of the unwanted emails. However, this feature allows the computer to read such messages before they are blocked. This feature has however been a source of contention among some of the users as it may interfere with their privacy (Rutledge, 2015). To enable ease of use, Gmail can be accessed in more than 40 languages. Gmail can also be accessed through the mobile phone. The mobile version has played an essential role in improving the ease of use. This has improved on its access and use at any location. The risk of the third party accessing the user information and emails is a major concern. The security issue is increasingly becoming a concern among the users after the revelation by Edward Snowden about the massive security breach by the stage agencies (Pollard, 2016). Currently, Gmail is utilizing an encrypted HTTPS connection which is more secure (Preece, Sharp, & Rogers, 2015). However, the unauthorized access continues to be a challenge faced by the users. All the incoming and outgoing emails are usually scanned automatically for viruses. In case of a virus, the email cannot be sent or received. One of the most important security features that have improved the user experience is the ability to detect and prevent state-sponsored attacks (Pollard, 2016). This is after concerns that the governments have been illegally attempting to compromise the account of some of the users. A Gmail search feature enable the users to search for contacts or files stored in the Google drive, sites or calendar. The Google search feature can also be used for making web searches using Google Search. Interfacing and Design Principles In terms of the structure design principle, Gmail interface is one of the unique types of webmail. The search oriented feature and management of the email in a conversation view similar to the internet forum is quite unique. A minimalist design has contributed to the consistent look and it is part of the overall design. The JavaScript feature is employed by Gmail in terms of its programming and organization (Rutledge, 2015). An advanced search interface enables the users to conduct an advanced search. This interface enables the users to carry out their searches according to the location, date, size categories or associated labels. An invisible Add is used by Gmail in default to combine the search terms. Boolean operators are also used by Gmail for finding the messages matching at least one or more search terms. The creation of rules for the automatic organization of incoming emails is made possible through the use of filters. The filters utilize the advanced search interface as well as the search criteria. The filters can carry out various activities such as archiving, marking, adding a star, applying labels, forwarding, moving to the bin and marking emails as important (Pollard, 2016). The organization of the emails is an important factor that enhances the user experience. The presence of the tabs plays an essential role in the process of sorting the emails according to different categories. Categorization of the emails also facilitates the organization of the emails. However, the users cannot be able to see the size of the email messages or sort the emails alphabetically when using the interface. The simplicity in design principle requires that the interface should be easy to use (Rubin, Chisnell, & Spool, 2008). This can be achieved through the uses of shortcuts, clear communication, and language that can be clearly understood by the users. Gmail has attained most of the aspects that are related to the simplicity principles. The Gmail lab feature, as well as the filter, plays an important role in terms of simplicity. Shortcuts are available in order to make it easy for the users to navigate on Gmail. The use of over 40 languages is an indication that a high number of users can easily utilize Gmail. The features that are in place play an important role in terms of promoting simplicity. A simple version of Gmail is also in place and this has made it easier for the users. The visibility principles require the design to have all the needed options as well as materials that reduce confusions as well as distractions (Preece et al., 2015). Custom themes are usually used by Gmail in order to enhance visibility. The users are also offered with different dynamic themes that enhance visibility. However, there are some distractions in terms of advertisements which may affect the users. In some of the instances, up to 6 sponsored links usually appear next to an email. This in most cases causes inconveniences which may end up affecting the users. However, Gmail is supported with invisible tools which are an indication of a good design. A good design should not necessarily have too many visible tools as it may also distract the users (Ghotkar & Kharate, 2012). According to the feedback principle, a good design should keep the users informed of any changes, errors or new activities (Rubin et al., 2008). This should be carried out in a manner and language that the users are able to understand. Gmail is effective in terms of providing feedbacks in case of any changes or errors. This usually achieved through notification emails. The feedbacks have played an essential role in updating the users. Also, the notifications are providing to the users in case of any attempts illegally access the email. The feedback mechanism that is utilized by Gmail indicates that the design is good (Rubin et al., 2008). A notification is usually provided to the users during the process of sending the emails. This enables the users to know if their emails have been sent or not. According to the tolerance principle, the design should be flexible in order to reduce errors and mistakes (Rubin et al., 2008). Gmail has features which enable the users to undo or redo some of the activities. This is useful to the users in ensuring that the mistakes during the process of navigating through Gmail are reduced. When using Gmail, the users are usually guided during the process of sending emails. Some email addresses may appear when the user is entering the address (Kortum & Bangor, 2013). This plays a vital role in ensuring that users do not make mistakes such as sending the emails to the wrong address. In addition, the addressing is an important feature that is also supported by Gmail and this is useful in improving on flexibility and tolerance. According to the principle of consistency, the interface must have similarities in terms of layout, color, interaction, and icons. This is an important principle that is aimed at making it easy for the users to learn and use the system easily (Ghotkar & Kharate, 2012). The use of color in Gmail makes it easy for the users to identify it. The colors, as well as the themes, are consistent throughout the website. Consistency has played an important role in enhancing the user experience. The time provided by the users is also used for changing the themes. The theme usually changes depending on the time of day. The users can also share themes through the use of email as well as public links. This element of consistency has played an essential role in improving the experience of the users. The reuse principle is an important aspect of design. The design should ensure that the internal, as well as the external components, are reused (Preece et al., 2015). This is important in ensuring that the need for the users to rethink and remember is reduced. Gmail has some features that enable the reuse of information. Once an email address has been used in a Gmail account, it can be reused and hence avoid the need of memorizing it. This is also the same for passwords and usernames. Gmail provide the users with an option of enabling it to retain the password and username (Ghotkar & Kharate, 2012). This ensures that the users do not have to log in using the password and username next time they are logging in. Recommendations for Improving the Interface Design Although the interface design of Gmail is effective in meeting the needs of the users, improvements can be put in place. It is recommended that Gmail should improve on the translation of the languages. Although, it utilizes more than 40 languages the users still face challenges in terms of translations. It is recommended that the design should consider the aspect of users setting the pace for interaction. This will ensure that the users do not have to wait for too long or being subjected to unnecessary delays. Improving on the speed will play an essential role during the interaction process. It is recommended that the principle of visibility should be enhanced further in order to create an ease of use. The unnecessary links and advertisements should be eliminated as it causes a lot of inconveniences to the customers. More space should be allocated to the emails in order to improve the user experience (Preece et al., 2015). Significant change is also required in the reuse design principle. The users are exposed to security breach when the system is able to remember their passwords and user names. Although Gmail has continuously been improving on the issue of security, more needs to be done so as to make it totally secure. It is recommended that Gmail should ensure that it is able to work in different browsers and operating systems. This will play an important role in improving its accessibility. It is recommended that the size of the emails should be provided so as to enhance the process of deleting messages once the capacity has been attained. Conclusion In conclusion, it is evident that Gmail has one of the unique interfaces. Gmail has one of the most efficient user experiences. It is evident that Gmail gas various features that enable it to meet the needs of the users. The use of the Gmail is easy due to the availability of the features. It is evident that the design principles used in Gmail are effective. However, the interface can be improved further by enhancing some of the design principles. The changes will play an important role in ensuring that the system is much safer. References Pollard, J. (2016). Gmail tricks - Gmail login tips. Jordanian Journal of Computers and Information Technology, 7(1), 90-104. Rutledge, P. A. (2015). Gmail Tips, Tricks and Tools: Streamline Your Inbox, Increase Your Email Productivity and Save Hours a Week (1st ed.). Indianapolis, IN: Pearson Education. Preece, J., Sharp, H., & Rogers, Y. (2015). Interaction Design: Beyond Human-Computer Interaction (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Rubin, J., Chisnell, D., & Spool, J. (2008). Handbook of Usability Testing: How to Plan, Design, and Conduct Effective Tests (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Ghotkar, A. S., & Kharate, G. K. (2012). Hand segmentation techniques to hand gesture recognition for natural human computer interaction. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 3(1), 15-25. Kortum, P. T., & Bangor, A. (2013). Usability ratings for everyday products measured with the System Usability Scale. International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, 29(2), 67-76 Read More