Cross-Platform Interface Design: To Conform or Not to Conform?

This article investigates whether brand consistent vs. platform convention conforming user interface design affects user acceptance of a software. Cross-platform software functions on different platforms. One component of software development cost is interface design cost. This cost can be high if the same software's user interface must be uniquely designed to match the look-and-feel of each platform and built and tested across the entire spectrum of supported platforms. Interface built cost can be dramatically reduced if a brand consistent look-and-feel is adopted for the interface across all platforms. Our results show that brand consistent interface design does not hinder user acceptance of a software compared with an interface that conforms to the conventions of the platform. The conclusion is that cost savings associated with brand consistent user interface design can be achieved without the loss of user acceptance or trust.