Why is consistency in design important? Why can too much consistency cause problems?

PLEASE POST EACH DISCUSSION SEPARATELY  

Reply 1

Why is consistency in design important? Why can too much consistency cause problems?

REPLY TO MY CLASSMATE’S RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE QUESTION AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU AGREE? (A MINIMUM OF 100 WORDS or MORE

                           CLASSMATE’S POST

Not just in analyzing or designing systems, having consistency across any organizational process will minimize issues for users or customers. Consistency is regarded has one of the most vital elements in developing a simplistic system because it allows users to calculate what will transpire. When there is consistency in interfaces, operators will be able to interact with one aspect of the system and then recognize how they will interact with the following parts of the system. However, too much consistency could cause issues. Individuals can erroneously use the incorrect function that may need to be completed because they misinterpreted data that has comparable traits to another. Developers need to ensure that they utilize various types of colors, texts, and icons to mitigate the risk of mistaking information that is like another caused by too much consistency.

Reply 2

Why is consistency in design important? Why can too much consistency cause problems?

REPLY TO MY CLASSMATE’S RESPONSE TO THE ABOVE QUESTION AND EXPLAIN WHY YOU AGREE? (A MINIMUM OF 100 WORDS or MORE

                           CLASSMATE’S POST

Consistency is described as one, if not the most important item to consider when developing a system and making that system intuitive for the users. Consistency will also play a key factor in user adoption of the system. The notes in our coursebook regarding having consistent user interfaces is very true. I immediately thought about the Apple eco system. Phone, tablets, Apple TV (those are the products i use the most) have very consistent user interfaces and operate in very similar ways. Consistency also plays into the efficiency of end users when working in the system.

Too much consistency can certainly cause issues in a number of areas. For example, if data entry forms look similar, it can lead end users to enter information in the wrong forms. If reports look the same way, it could lead to end users who may use the reports to make decision to use the wrong information when making decisions, something we don't ever want to do when designing and developing a system.