THE EIGHT GOLDEN RULES OF INTERFACE DESIGN
Strive for Consistency. It is very important to make sure that the interface is consistent. Examples of this are making sure all fonts are match, terminology is similar throughout, and layout is consisten. This rule is often ignored or violated, so be extra careful
Enable Frequent Users to Use Shortcuts. When users begin to use the software more, they want to be able to reduce the amount of time it takes to interact with the program. Use shortcuts that will help cut time from the frequent user's day.
Offer Informative Feedback. It is important that feedback (ie. errors, input requests) be informative. Since every interaction the user has with the computer should have a response, make them informative but not distractive.
Design Dialogs to Yield Closure. During sequences of actions, it is important to allow the user to yield. This allows the user more control of what the program is doing.
Offer Error Prevention and Simple Error Handling. As often as possible when designing the project, avoid opportunities for the user to cause a critical error. For example, when a user inputs a number when a letter is needed, do not allow the number to be entered. This will avoid a error.
Permit Easy Reversal of Actions. All actions that can be reversible, should be. This allows the user to undo something that might have been a mistake or was not appealing to them.
Support Internal Locus of Control. Users want to feel in control of the software. If the user does not feel in control, they will feel anxiety and dissatisfaction
Reduce Short-Term Memory Load. It should be realized that human short-term memory is not perfect. This limitation should be recognized when designing. Too much information is bad information.