Users Characteristics and UI Design

Successful User Interface Design requires more than a professional knowledge of design patterns and aesthetics, it also requires an expert understanding of the cognitive ability of the end users. Aspects such as age, education, and level of experience play heavily into having a complete understanding of the characteristics of the type of user for which the UI is being designed. In addition, the culture (or cultures) your users are coming from and how that might effect the way they use and perceive the information and its layout should be given importance throughout the early development stages of your user interface.