A4. INTUITIVE
The user wants to know what is possible
Description
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When entering new environments, we subconsciously interpret what we see to be able to decide on what to do next - this includes taking in the layout of a showroom, scanning its interior, its products and technology. If either of these do not clearly communicate their purpose or functionality, two things can happen; either visitors become intrigued and want to investigate further, or they feel uncomfortable and sometimes even stupid.
This guideline will help users in grasping the purpose of the showroom or interface in questions, not needing to wonder how to interact.
Guidelines
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Build upon visitors’ mental models
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Build upon key interaction patterns and interface principles that people are used to seeing in other environments and on other devices in their everyday life. This will increase effectivity and will help the users to understand what is possible and to feel more comfortable when interacting.
Let visitors know they are welcome to interact
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Even when the purpose and functionality of a product, system or environment are clear, many visitors hesitate to approach as they do not feel it is their place to try the interaction. This can be avoided by a simple invite in terms of text, graphics or audio etc showing the visitor is welcome to interact.
Provide instructions when needed
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For the cases were a showroom visitor may not intuitively understand how to interact, instructions shall be available to minimize the risk of the visitor feeling stupid or out of place.