a raw google translation, do not use as is!
All the means used to advise, guide, inform and lead the user during his interaction with the computer.
Encourage the user to perform specific actions by providing indices. For example, guide data entries indicating the correct format and acceptable values: Date (dd / mm / yy) _ _ / _ _ / _ _. See this example of incitement ... missed! But as another example, successful.
Can also see this example where the incentive is so bad that we must tell the user where to click!
Grouping the various visual elements in a consistent and orderly manner.
Position the items against each other in order to indicate their affiliation or not to a particular object class. For example, according to group menu options objects on which they apply.
Give specific elements graphic features to indicate their belonging or not to a particular object class. For example: use a symbol and the red color for alert dialog boxes or error.
In all cases, the computer must meet the user based on the actions and requests of the latter. For example, in cases where treatment is long, information indicating the user that the operations are in progress should be provided to him.
Lexical features of presentation of information on the screen are easier to read the information. For example, it is preferable to present a text with some long lines rather than many short lines.
All the elements of the interface which has a role in reducing the perceptual or mnemic user load, as well as in increasing the efficiency of the dialogue.
Limit the reading work, entry and the steps by which users must pass.
Reduce workload perceptive and mnemonic level in terms of individual elements of input or output. For example, when measuring unit is associated with a data field, it should be part of the label of the field rather than being entered by the user.
Limit the steps by which users must pass. For example, do not require users to enter data that can be deducted by the system.
Reduce the workload of perceptive and mnemonic terms, for sets of items and not for items. For example, limit the informational density of the screen, to display only the necessary information
Consideration by the system of explicit user actions and control that users have over the treatment of their actions.
Clarify the relationship between the operation of the application and user actions. For example, entering commands must end with an end indication ("Enter", "OK") to which publishing opportunities should be prerequisites.
The user must be able to control the flow of data processing in progress. For example, allow the user to interrupt any ongoing treatment.
Ability to react depending on the context and the needs and user preferences.
Make available to users the means to customize the interface to reflect their strategies or work habits and requirements of the task. For example, users should be able disable unnecessary displays.
The system must respect the experience level of the user. For example, choice of starters provide step-by-step or multiple according to the user experience.
Means firstly to avoid or reduce errors, secondly to correct them when they occur.
Establish ways to detect and prevent errors. For example, all possible actions on an interface should be considered especially accidental button presses of the keyboard so that non-expected inputs are detected.
See this example of protection against errors.
Ensure that the information given to users about the nature of errors (syntax, format, etc.) and the actions to correct them, is relevant, easy to read and accurate. For example, using a neutral vocabulary, non-personal, non-condemnatory in error messages; avoid humor.
Discover an example of the criterion of the quality of error messages.
Make available to users the means to correct their mistakes. For example, providing the ability to modify orders during capture.
See an example of the criterion of error correction.
The choice of interface design must be retained for identical contexts, and must be different for different contexts. For example, always displayed in the same place the incentive for entering data or commands.
See this example of consistency / coherence.
There must be balance between the object or the information displayed or entered, and its referent. For example, make the explicit rules of abbreviation.
See this example with a lottery ticket.
There must be agreement between the characteristics of users and tasks, on the one hand, and the organization of outputs, inputs and dialogue of a given application, on the other. For example, the language should be familiar to users, and related to the task at hand.
By stretching the definition of this criterion, we can include the concept of internationalization of sites, among other critical business development. This example shows a US site of appliances that will sû not to alienate its retailers while allowing trade with its US and Canadian customers.