The user interface represents the sum of possible experiences, not of visual elements. The way you accomplish tasks with a product  —  what you do and how it responds — that’s the interface.

So, the structure and appearance of the interface determine what is and isn’t possible.

Structure and appearance are defined through conveyed meanings.

All possible experiences should also be communicated through conveyed meanings.

Once we accept that there is a meaning to be told, it’s useful to think of interface design as a communication process. There is not only a message, but also a sender — as well as a recipient. There has to be a common thread that both of them can understand, otherwise the communication fails.

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Each piece of our grid control inputs is designed to visually convey its particular function.

It is crucial for every feature to provide a recognizable function. An interface designer should always wonder how a user will know an action is possible.

Preferably, the user interface should be self-explanatory (i.e., easy to understand without any tutorials or support services).

All features should also be discoverable in the interface, without external help.

An interface should keep users informed about their actions and any changes.

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When the interface is self-explanatory, it becomes easy to learn and use.

An interface is communication.

An interface should be intelligible.

An interface should be habitual. An interface must be reliable.

A design interface should be aesthetically pleasing.

Entropy is the main enemy of an interface designer.

The best interface is no interface.

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