UI Best Design Practices

For a well-designed user interface on the Shield:

• Avoid complex menu systems; instead use a linear progression through interface components to minimize the amount of time a user needs to dedicate to navigating the application UI.

• Allow UI elements to be navigated with simple left/right/up/down navigation, and give users clear visual indicators for which UI element currently has focus.

• Limit the amount of information being displayed to the user at any given moment to be very contextually relevant. E.g. Provide a single, specific instruction to guide the user to perform an individual step in a procedure.

• Avoid displaying complex diagrams or schematics to the user, instead opt for displaying only the components immediately relevant to the task at hand.

• Try to minimize the frequency of scenarios requiring the user to physically interact with the Shield by leveraging alternative methods to advance a user through the application interface. The best way to do so is to leverage voice commands, but this can also be done by automatically advancing a user to the next screen based on any number of interactions, such as taking a picture or some other form of verification that the step has been completed.

• Try to use highly contrasting elements. Due to the Shield's monochrome display it can be difficult to tell the difference between similar colors. It is best to change the brightness while the focus is on an element this will allow the user to more easily keep track of where the focus is.

Build-in Resource and Classes

Utilize our HUD classes and resources provided by our Maven Libraries and HUD-Resources. This is a good starting point for your application.