User-interface design for medical informatics: a case study of Kaiser Permanente

User interfaces (Uis) for client-server and Web based products and services must enable users around the world to access complex data and functions. Solutions to successful user interface design, including information visualization consist of partially universal and partially local solutions to the design of metaphors, mental models, navigation, appearance, and interaction. By managing the user´s experience of familiar structures and processes, the user interface designer can achieve compelling forms that enable the user interface to be more usable and acceptable to a wider range of users. The user will be more productive and satisfied with the product in many different locations globally. The article presents some guidelines for UI design and reviews the design of prototypes for Kaiser Permanente´s clinical information system, with an emphasis on navigation and appearance improvements.