UI Patterns and Techniques: Introduction

Written by Jenifer Tidwell (MIT alumni) this site discusses some common patterns in the interaction design some of which are suitable for both Web based and desktop applications. I haven't gone through the entire site throughly (just skimmed through them), I liked the patterns in the "Getting Input from Users" and "Showing Complex data".

HCI (Human Computer Interaction) has become a major subject in itself, as we started to depend on computers to do most of our work. Modern Design Patterns not just deals with programming/database related problems but also deals with the Look & Feel of the application among others.

This site classifies the UI patterns & techniques into

• Organizing the Content
• Getting Around
• Organizing the Page
• Getting Input from Users
• Showing Complex Data
• Commands and Actions
• Direct Manipulation
• Stylistic Elements

Each of the them answers the 3 questions - When, Why, How, followed by examples if applicable.

This is going to be published as a book titled "Designing Interfaces: Patterns for Effective Interaction Design" by O'Reilly Media publication (expected: late 2005)