Limitations of the Golden Rules

The problem with golden rules is that they are not so golden. Consider, for example, two rules about a system’s look and feel:

Apply multimedia features to attract the user’s attention to special events or opportunities.
Avoid multimedia features that may distract the user’s attention from his/her tasks.

Obviously, these rules contradict each other. Many of the golden rules are double-edged swords. Applying them incorrectly may hamper the user interface. For example:

If we maintain multimedia features all over the user interface, then these features may hamper problem solving in emergency operation
If we avoid multimedia features, the user may fail to notice a warning message in routine interaction.

THE ONLY GOLDEN RULE:

“The only golden rule is that ... there are no golden rules”.

George Bernard Shaw

Practical Style Definition

Many golden rules conflict with one another because they are unrestricted.

The problems demonstrated by the examples above are due to the application of rules without limits. Rules should have borders, and within their borders they can rule. Outside of their borders they should be ignored because they conflict with other rules. For example, the rules regarding multimedia may be as follows:

Apply multimedia features in warning messages, for training and for sales promotion.

Avoid multimedia features in data entry, monitoring, supervision and problem solving screens.

By adding the underlined restrictions, we set the boundaries and avoid conflicting suggestions.

Accordingly, the position of this guide on style definition is:

Styles may be defined by restricting golden rules about user interface design.