A user interface (UI) is what connects users to a product's underlying technology.

Everett N McKay is the author of UI is communication: How to design intuitive, user centered interfaces by focusing on effective communication. Here are the top 10 design principles from his book.

PRINCIPLE #1

A user interface is essentially a conversation between users and products to perform tasks that achieve user's goals.

PRINCIPLE #2

Explain tasks clearly, and concisely, as you would in person.

PRINCIPLE #3

Every UI element can be evaluated by what it communicates and how effectively it does that job.

PRINCIPLE #4

If a UI feels like a natural, professional, and friendly conversation, it is probably a good design.

PRINCIPLE #5

Users are humans, not robots. Communicate to users on a human level. It's not just what you say, but also how you say it.

PRINCIPLE #6

Be polite, respectful, and intelligent. UI's communicate through their personality, tone, and attitude.

PRINCIPLE #7

Mechanically enabling tasks is only the first step in great design, not the last. Great UI design transcends mechanical usability.

PRINCIPLE #8

UI form follows communication. At the wireframe level, every visual design element should be justified by what it communicates.

PRINCIPLE #9

People are emotional and react emotionally to a product's visual appearance. Consequently, your product should look the part-it should look like it fulfills it's purpose well.

PRINCIPLE #10

Use a communication-driven design process to create better designs and make the right decisions quickly and confidently.
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