This week we began by looking at what was expected for our critique next week which I found helpful as a reminder of where I should be at this stage of the project.

We also then looked at principles of user interfaces, First of all Jakob's Law which is important in mobile UI design because it states that users expect your website or app to work in the same way as other sites or apps they're familiar with. In other words, people bring their expectations and past experiences with them when they use new technology. For example, users expect the back button to take them back to the previous page or screen, and they expect to be able to swipe to delete items or navigate through menus.

By adhering to Jakob's Law, I can create interfaces that are consistent with users' mental models of how technology should work, leading to a more positive user experience and increased user satisfaction.

We looked at Fitts' Law which is important in mobile UI design because it provides a framework for designing interfaces that are optimised for human-computer interaction. The law states that the time required to move to a target area is a function of the distance to the target and the size of the target. This means that larger targets that are closer to the starting point are easier to select, while smaller targets that are farther away are more difficult to select.

In mobile UI design, Fitts' Law is particularly relevant because of the limited screen size and the need to make efficient use of the available space. By designing interface elements that are larger and closer to the user's starting point, I can reduce the time required for users to complete tasks, increase the accuracy of interactions, and ultimately improve the overall user experience. This can be particularly important in mobile design where users may be interacting with the device using one hand or on the move, making it even more important to design interfaces that are optimised for efficiency and ease of use.

Lastly, we looked at The law of Pragnanz, also known as the law of simplicity, which is a principle that states that people tend to perceive and interpret complex designs as simple and organised. In mobile UI design, this principle is important because it suggests that users prefer interfaces that are easy to use, intuitive, and visually appealing.

By following the law of Pragnanz in mobile UI design, I can create interfaces that are easy to understand, navigate, and use. This can lead to a better user experience, increased user satisfaction, and higher user engagement.

Following the law of Pragnanz means using a minimalist design approach that emphasises simplicity, clarity, and visual hierarchy. This includes using a limited colour palette, a clear and consistent layout, and easily recognisable icons and symbols.

We then looked at how touch screen target sizes are an important consideration to ensure that users can accurately and easily interact with the interface using their fingers.

Some things I learnt are:

• Make sure the targets are large enough to be easily seen and tapped. This is particularly important for users with larger fingers or who may be using the interface in a hurry or under difficult lighting conditions.
• Avoid placing targets too close together, as this can lead to unintentional taps and make it difficult for users to select the intended target.
• Use a touch target size that is appropriate for the input method. For example, if users will be using a stylus instead of their fingers, smaller targets may be acceptable.
• Consider the context of use. For example, if the user will be interacting with the interface while walking or in a moving vehicle, larger targets may be necessary to accommodate for a less steady hand.