User Interface Design Patterns

Common themes and patterns in good user interfaces include:

    Drop-down menus
    Main viewing windows
    Consistent color schemes
    Easily accessible buttons
    Readily available help files
    Intuitive control schemes
    Helpful and verbose error messages

There are other themes that can be found in all good user interfaces, but these are the most common. User interfaces, above all, should be easy to use and intuitive for novices and experts alike, and should allow them to focus on using the program, not figuring out how to use the program.