The primary goal of the interface developer is to create a design that is easy to use and consistent across applications. A user who learns one application with a Motif interface should be able to learn to use other such applications quickly. The interface should also:
This chapter discusses Motif user interface design principles, which are based on principles of human behavior, the experience of users and researchers, and the results of usability testing.
Occasionally you must choose among design principles. Factors outside your control may lead you to favor one principle over another. For example, cost, performance, and usability concerns sometimes conflict. You must balance these concerns according to their effect on the user and the user's tasks.
The following sections discuss the categories of general design principles: