See also #usable.
Definitions
The degree to which a system’s interface, behavior, and information organization align with users’ existing mental models and expectations, enabling immediate understanding and effective use without prior learning or training.
Intuitiveness refers to the immediate understandability of a user interface. An intuitive interface allows users to accomplish their goals without having to think about how to use the interface.
An intuitive user interface is one that works the way users expect it to work. It behaves consistently, both internally and with regard to other applications the user may know.
Intuitive design is about creating interfaces that work the way users expect them to work. When users can predict what will happen next, they feel more confident and in control.
Key Characteristics
- Immediate recognition rather than recall
- Familiar patterns and metaphors that match user expectations
- Predictable behavior across similar functions
- Natural information architecture following mental models
- Consistency with established interface conventions
- Minimal cognitive load for first-time users
Relationship to Other Qualities
Intuitiveness complements but differs from:
- Usability: Focuses on task effectiveness vs. immediate understanding
- Learnability: Concerns acquisition time vs. no learning required
- Ease of Use: Addresses operational simplicity vs. cognitive alignment
- Clarity: Ensures clear communication vs. natural comprehension
- User Experience: Encompasses broader interaction vs. initial understanding
Measurement Approaches
- Time to first successful action without training
- Error rate on initial use before learning occurs
- User confidence scores during first interaction
- Task completion rate on first attempt
- Subjective “naturalness” ratings from users