The Impact of Combining Gestalt Theories with Interface Design Guidelines in Designing User Interfaces

Software systems are one of the most important technologies that are present in every task that humans and computers perform. Humans perform their tasks by using a computer interface. Graphical user interfaces are the most common interface that developers rely on to create easy-to-use, easy-to-learn and easy-to-understand software systems so that end users can improve their performance. However, many times, developers tend to create software using their own preferences based on their skills and abilities but do not consult theories that would produce better outcomes. We conducted a study to identity whether software that is developed by using Gestalt theories combined with interface development guidelines produces better outcomes compared to software developed using developers’ current skills. Results show that for the present research, participants perceived the system that was developed using such approach had superior quality compared to another that does not. However, results should be taken cautiously.