Technology and social values :
technology has expanded into our life and needs our constant attention from the moment we get up. Flashing messages bite at our heels, waking us up from sleep, while notifications beep and ping like an endless dog howling.
Tech corporations have produced a gigantic pet for us in their haste to make gadgets ubiquitous and "smart," one that defies training, isn't especially cuddly, and most definitely isn't housebroken.
Etiquette, or a comprehensive set of social standards and expectations that provide a foundation of decency and respect, is what's fundamentally lacking in modern technology. When it comes to interpersonal interactions, the term "etiquette" can be a little outmoded. But our technological creations are not people, and they certainly don't merit the same level of affection as our furry friends. The same can most certainly be said of digital companies, which are meant to serve us rather than the other way around.
By definition, etiquette is about cultivating cordial relationships among various types of individuals. Designing peaceful interactions between technology and people is the essence of good design.
So we should anticipate that our items will exhibit appropriate manners. That etiquette should be considered when designing experiences, as designers.
Here are some examples of how traditional etiquette maxims might be applied to the user experience of an app:
Don't shout ：whisper instead ,Audio alerts can be subtle and significant. Except in an emergency, jarring, loud, or abrupt noises are not necessary to convey information.
Notifications may provide information without creating a sense of urgency. Inform, not alarm. Users can still be alerted by quiet visual and auditory cues.
Ask before you assume: During the setup process, apps frequently ask us if we want to opt into different features, as though believing we will appreciate their value. Instead, apps can offer to recommend different notifications and next actions as they arise. The Delta Airlines app includes useful communications like these: Would you like to be notified when your suitcase is at your destination's baggage claim? You checked a bag into flight DL179, right? It serves as an illustration of a well-designed notification that arrives at the appropriate time to reduce ambiguity.
We shouldn't limit our expectations of our gadgets' behavior to app notifications. Think about how the proverb "whisper, don't shout" might be used in visual UI design:
Whispering while using a softer gradient
The term "gradient softening" describes a subtle and gradual change in a technology's or interface's state. The transitions between screens, colors, loudness, etc. don't happen in sharp, abrupt jumps, but rather gradually fade in and out.
Gradients are extensively used in the one second app, which is pretty appropriate given that its purpose is to offer you a pleasant break before launching Twitter and other (often stressful) social media apps.
The objective is to make the experience's many components flow more smoothly and peacefully. Hard edges and sharp contrasts are "softened" into less abrupt, smoother transitions. Sharp divisions are replaced with gradual slopes, which improves the user experience.
For instance, a notification may appear and fade in gradually rather than flashing brightly. On a screen, colors might softly meld together as opposed to having sharp edges. Instead of suddenly becoming louder, audio notifications might build up gradually.
Gradient softening uses the concept of gradual changes to provide more natural technological experiences.
Lack of gradient softening not only looks startling but can also affect how information is delivered and interpreted.
In data visualizations, maps of the world are frequently portrayed with startling colors rather than smooth ones, thanks to William Playfair's introduction of colorful, statistical graphs in 1786.
In his book, Seeing With Fresh Eyes, design genius Edward Tufte, whose online forum I highly recommend for inspiration, showed the effectiveness of gradients.
Take into account what is suggested (even if unintentionally so) by a map that marks country borders with startling, discordant hues. Even maintaining concentration on the information is challenging! Now contrast it with a map that has been softened by gradient coloring and harmony:
Because the colors are pleasing to the eye, more mental effort is focused on the map's specifics rather than on processing them.
We may also use gradient softening as a design strategy for analog products:
Residents could be gently awakened by smart home routines that use progressively brighter lighting and softer alarm tones.
To mimic natural sunshine, device indicators could progressively change their colors throughout the day from cool to warm tones.
A choice of visual signals, even material textures, can express etiquette, just as gradients convey whispering:
In terms of audio/visual cues and texture design components, "Inform, don't alarm"
The visual displays as well as the product's material textures should be clear and easy to read without being distracting or overstimulating , here are some examples of guidelines:
Avoid screens with bright, rapidly flashing lights.
Visual notifications may come subtly and smoothly rather than completely taking over the display. Allow users to alter the styles, sizes, and colors.
Though not always shocking, audio notifications can be enjoyable. Select mild tones or delicate chimes. Permit users to regulate the loudness.
Where suitable, tactile surfaces can be supple, cozy, and responsive. Avoid textures with irregular edges or corners.
Exteriors without sharp edges or bulky, heavy materials can feel smooth, light, and easily grippable. Strategic use of natural textures and patterns can evoke strong feelings.
I should emphasize that most of these design concepts are not often applied in the majority of well-known apps. The main issue is that the majority of digital companies are set up around a revenue model that necessitates ongoing involvement, attention, and "hot" emotions – the exact opposite of politeness. However, things don't have to be this way.
Building Business Models Around Manners
It's surprising to see how heavily modern UI design has been influenced by the interests of advertisers rather than those of consumers.
But there are other revenue models that may be used, and the "if you're not the customer, you're the product" model is not the only one. It's also not the most stable or reliable system for managing a company. Many tech businesses, particularly startups, have a short-term perspective and fail to recognize that customers will buy products they adore.
Although it is frequently claimed that Apple is one of the most successful and well-liked technological businesses in history as a result of its beautifully designed products, this is only a portion of the truth. Apple's actual gadgets are typically designed with etiquette rules foremost in mind, despite the fact that its App Store does contain third party apps filled with unpleasant distracting UX.
The iPhone user experience often upholds respect for privacy and discretion, a fundamental etiquette principle, even if doing so risks offending a leading tech firm or the FBI itself. The firm also spent a lot of time and money making sure that iPhone owners can gracefully opt out of having to see notifications and that the gadget is designed to help them make the most of their time when they aren't using it, which is while they are sleeping.
