On the Role of “Muscle Memory” in Interaction Design

Abstract

“Muscle memory” refers to the human body’s muscles have memory effects. After the same action is repeated many times, the muscles will form conditioned reflexes. With the development of screen technology, after more and more physical buttons are replaced with screen operations, the structure of the machine no longer follows its functions to design, especially some button designs. This poses new challenges to the accuracy, timeliness, and reduction of mis-operation rates. This article studies different interface designs and proposes several interface design principles that are consistent with muscle memory. Based on this principle, an APP launcher based on “muscle memory” is produced to verify whether the criterion is reasonable. This article links “muscle memory” with interoperability, and aims to create, build, and facilitate convenient relationships between people and products and services. A feasible direction is proposed for exploring better human interaction experience.