Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction, Global Edition, 6th edition

Published by Pearson (April 14, 2026) © 2026

  • Ben Shneiderman University of Maryland
  • Catherine Plaisant University of Maryland
  • Maxine Cohen Nova Southeastern University
  • Steven Jacobs Northern Arizona University
  • Niklas Elmqvist University of Maryland
  • Nicholas Diakopoulos University of Maryland

Details

  • A print edition
Products list

Details

  • A print edition

Title overview

For courses in Human-Computer Interaction

The Sixth Edition of Designing the User Interface provides a comprehensive, authoritative, and up-to-date introduction to the dynamic field of human-computer interaction (HCI) and user experience (UX) design. This classic book has defined and charted the astonishing evolution of user interfaces for three decades. Students and professionals learn practical principles and guidelines needed to develop high quality interface designs that users can understand, predict, and control. The book covers theoretical foundations and design processes such as expert reviews and usability testing.

By presenting current research and innovations in human-computer interaction, the authors strive to inspire students, guide designers, and provoke researchers to seek solutions that improve the experiences of novice and expert users, while achieving universal usability. The authors also provide balanced presentations on controversial topics such as augmented and virtual reality, voice and natural language interfaces, and information visualisation.

Updates include current HCI design methods, new design examples, and totally revamped coverage of social media, search and voice interaction. Major revisions were made to EVERY chapter, changing almost every figure (170 new colour figures) and substantially updating the references.

Table of contents

  • Part 1. Introduction
  • 1. Usability of Interactive Systems
  • 2. Universal Usability
  • 3. Guidelines, Principles, and Theories
  • Part 2. Design Processes
  • 4. Design
  • 5. Evaluation and the User Experience
  • 6. Design Case Studies
  • Part 3. Interaction Styles
  • 7. Direct Manipulation and Immersive Environments
  • 8. Fluid Navigation
  • 9. Expressive Human and Command Languages
  • 10. Devices
  • 11. Communication and Collaboration
  • Part 4. Design Issues
  • 12. Advancing the User Experience
  • 13. The Timely User Experience
  • 14. Documentation and User Support (a.k.a. Help)
  • 15. Information Search
  • 16. Data Visualization

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