ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces some of the basic principles behind the 'art' of interaction design and, more specifically, interface design. The process of designing a display can often be informed by considering the optimal representation for the different data sets. The interface design of a product has the ability to influence how it is interpreted and used, as either a functional or physical interface. Iconic forms are metaphoric representations of the data; they contain a semantic link to the source of their representation. Metaphoric references can be used to assist users in their development of mental models. Accurate mental models can have a significant impact on the time taken to learn how to use the product; requirements for formalised training; user satisfaction; and error rates. One common method of incorporating metaphoric references into a product is to design in a graphical representation of the previous, real world, situations that work in similar, predictable ways.
