| |
 |
Interface Design
Interactive TV applications require additional space in which to present enhanced content. In recent years, two different layout conventions - overlay and the embedded "L" or split-screen design interface layout have emerged.
When graphic content must be combined with the video screen, typically the video portion is reduced in size and surrounded by graphics on three sides. This commonly used format has become known as the "L design". The "L design" works very well provided that the content in the enhanced area is closely tied to the primary content of the program.
By using this layout, the enhanced content is wrapped around the video. This design unifies the text, graphics, and video of the application. It provides a consistent layout between screens and constantly orients the viewer with a fixed menu. The lower area is reserved for main menu navigation and sub menu navigation. The center area is used for the video and enhanced content. The upper area contains the logo and search area. |
While all the menu items are displayed in the lower area, the main menu items are buttons on the right
side. The sub menu items are small video loops in order to visually differentiate between the two types
of menu items. Small video loops also serves as a preview to visually help the viewer decide on what
to watch.
In the center area, a simple letter box format places graphical content adjacent to the video. Much of
this content is presented to the viewer in a careful choreographed manner that enhances the news story.
An example is providing a sense of place that correlated with the news story. The left side of the screen
is used for interesting side information, giving the viewer a deeper understanding of the content.
Since this prototype will have a TV-centric interface, it should keep text elements to a minimum.
In addition, text that is broken up into chunks is easier to read from a distance.
Navigation Design
When designing menus and navigation systems for television-based applications one of the biggest
obstacles to overcome is the lack of on-screen real estate. Users find it tiresome to have to navigate
with a remote control through multiple menus or have to return to a home page simply to find options.
The menu design for this prototype provides the user with enough navigation options on-screen to keep
any destination only a few clicks away while also managing to keep the screen from looking cluttered or
confusing.
Typography
Text poses difficult challenges on television screens, as viewers are not accustomed to reading static
blocks of text on screen. At the same time the relatively large text size required for legibility on a
television screen makes it difficult for designers to create effective screen layouts.
As a general rule, fonts must be used with care. Very light weight fonts or fonts with very narrow and
broad strokes should be avoided. It is a good idea to use strictly constructive sans-serif fonts and
use anti-aliasing to increase readability.
Two sans-serif fonts (Arial and Lucida) are used in this application and anti-aliasing is used to
increase readability. Arial i s clean and works well even at small sizes. Lucida looks great at small
sizes and is one of the best screen fonts around. |
|
