Van Ness, Vickie S.

Challenges in Developing User Interfaces that are Intuitive for Both Men and Women

Abstract

In 1987, I developed my first user interface. Mostly male engineers generated cost accounting data using pencil and paper forms, and I developed a computer-based reporting system to be used by mostly female office workers. Having designed "user interfaces" over the last 15 years I've seen them evolve into a form today that would have been barely recognizable when I began. From a cryptic collection of pencil marks, keystrokes and commands requiring users to spend hours in training just to get started as well as to digest a large manual before becoming proficient, user interfaces have developed into multi-media, interactive experiences that people can use instantly with no training. Today most users become intuitive experts quickly with the help of minimal on-line documentation. From studying user questions and comments along with developing training programs, I have observed an "intuition gap" between men and women. In particular, men and women differ greatly in their approach to acquiring information.

The fact that all people involved in an endeavor can now have immediate access to the same information presents an enormous challenge: how do we design tools for collecting, organizing and disseminating information that will be intuitive for all users of all learning styles?

As a member of the panel THE INTERNET AND THE NEW TRANSFORMATION OF CONSCIOUSNESS, I will use the Web to present a creative demonstration of how this challenge has brought a new understanding of the differences in the way men and women think and approach work.