Creating effective user interfaces

A succession of models for software development process ranging from the simple stage model to the waterfall model are presented. The addition of prototyping and specifications on how the results of the prototyping influence the changes in the software are two of the key changes in how the process is conceptualized. The modifications to this process are fundamental in achieving usable software. The initial design must reflect an understanding of the users, what should be accomplished with the software, and how software will be used. Users should be involved in the design process to improve the mapping of the development goals to the design. Tools and techniques that support the seven stages of the software development process are presented.