GUI Design: Causality

Causality

the thing that happens right after an action is assumed by people to be caused by that action

• interpretation of “feedback”
• false causality
  • incorrect effect
    • invoking unfamiliar function just as computer hangs
    • causes “superstitious” behaviors
  • invisible effect
    • command with no apparent result often re-entered repeatedly e.g., mouse click to raise menu on unresponsive system
      

Example of False Causality....what is wrong: OK does nothing, and must hit "Exec" to see results.