John Vaughan
I always try to provide The Three Cee's:
Context
Know where you are and what you're doing (i.e. you’re browsing documents or performing a function, such as document editing).
The introductory page should provide an explanatory overview of the operational elements and how they work.
Every major function (s.a. Create a New … or Edit) should have a set of directions.
When you enter or exit – and at appropriate points in the process – you should receive a synopsis of your activity.
Continuity
The service should “remember” relevant information about your preferences, habits or even where you’ve been and what you’ve done. Embrace “sticky information”.
The process is a thread of events
Design themes pervade the environment
Relevant information is “inherited” as you move through the workflow.
Pre-populate pages with appropriate choices and information.
Consistency
The behavior, terminology, color cues, layout conventions and design themes must be consistent:
among functional areas or sections
within the pages themselves (i.e. between menubars and content)
within logical areas (i.e.continuity within the content documents)
Provide perspective. Keep track of things. Maintain a safe environment
