Transmeta design: Adding transparency and meta-communication to Web services design

In this paper, we propose an approach for enhancing the usability of Web services. Our approach is based on a set of common interaction characteristics permeating through several interaction design methodologies, such as User-Centred Design, Participatory Design, Meta-Design and Semiotic Engineering. We identified transparency and meta-communication as two characteristics of user interfaces that can be effective in enhancing Web services usability. We call the new design approach, based on the aforementioned characteristics, Transmeta Design. Finally, we present a case study that demonstrates the application of our approach.