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96 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
- 3rd side (hint)
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Define a User Interface
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The external part of the system the user interacts with (to access its function)
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Name 3 problems caused by poor UI design
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Dissapointed consumers
Inefficient workers Safety problems |
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How does person-person interaction differ from HCI? (7 possible answers)
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Ability to easily recognise you
Range of communication modes Ability to adapt level of conversation to the other person Ability to tolerate inaccuracies Ability to understand the other person's real objective Social etiquette |
HCI development tries to draw on the qualities of human-human interaction to improve human-computer interfaces
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Define HCI
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The study of interaction between people (users) and computers
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What does the term 'usability' mean
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The ease with which people can employ a particular system or product to achieve particular goals
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What does the term 'user experience' mean
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How positive or negative people feel when and after using a product or system
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How do you design for consistency and standards?
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Users should not have to wonder whether different words, situations or actions mean the same thing. Follow platform conventions if appropriate
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What are the pros of designing to a standard or convention?
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User interfaces are more consistent.
Skills can be transferred from one application to another Toolkits develop standard interfaces, reducing development time |
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What are the cons of designing to a standard or convention?
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The method of interaction may not be ideal for a particular application
Potential to stifle innovative user interfaces It takes time to develop standards, so they may be behind technology even just after release. |
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How can you design consistency between the real world and its representation through the system?
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Follow real-world conventions.
Make information appear in a natural and logical order |
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What can result from a lack of status visibility?
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The user becomes frustrated.
The user may think that an error has occured when it has not, or vice versa. |
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What is the rough time limit for a system response in order for the user to feel that the reaction is instant?
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0.1 seconds
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What is the rough time limit for a system response in order for the user to maintain their flow of thought?
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1 second
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What is the rough time limit for a system response in order to keep the users attention focussed on the dialogue?
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10 seconds
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How long is the attention threshold for web interaction?
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8-10 seconds
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Why should computer response times have a lower limit as well as an upper limit?
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So that the user has time to process the information they are receiving
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How can you design a system that provides good user control and freedom?
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Include functions to undo and redo actions, so the user feels free to experiment with the system
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What three factors are used to judge the severity of a usability problem?
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Frequency - Common or rare?
Impact - Easy or difficult to overcome? Persistence - |
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What is the first step of a usability evaluation?
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Principles and heuristics chosen, and typical tasks defined
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What is the second step of a usability evaluation?
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Evaluator (s) go through each task step by step, inspecting the flow against each principle
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What is the third step of a usability evaluation?
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Problems are identified and grouped by principle. Each is given a severity rating
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What is the fourth step of a usability evaluation?
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The acceptability of the design is assessed, and changes suggested
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What are the strengths of a heuristic evaluation? (2 answers)
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Many problems can be identified without expensive user trials.
Anticipated problem areas can be identified so they are more carefully evaluated after user trials. |
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What are the potential limitations of a heuristic evaluation (4 answers)
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List of principles won't cover all problems, either through human error or through new technologies.
Different evaluators may interpret principles differently. May generate false positives, as the evaluators are looking for problems. Evaluators may not spot some problems |
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What is Shneiderman's Golden Rule of Interface design number 1?
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Strive for consistency
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What is Shneiderman's Golden Rule of Interface design number 2?
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Enable frequent users to use shortcuts
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What is Shneiderman's Golden Rule of Interface design number 3?
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Offer informative feedback
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What is Shneiderman's Golden Rule of Interface design number 4?
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Design dialogue to yeild closure
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What is Shneiderman's Golden Rule of Interface design number 5?
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Offer simple error handling
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What is Shneiderman's Golden Rule of Interface design number 6?
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Permit easy reversal of actions
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What is Shneiderman's Golden Rule of Interface design number 7?
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Support internal locus of control
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What is Shneiderman's Golden Rule of Interface design number 8?
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Reduce short-term memory load
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What is meant by reducing short-term memory load (according to Schneiderman)?
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Information processing in short-term memory is limited. Keep displays simple. Consolidate multiple displays. Reduce window motion. Allow time to learn codes, mnemonics, and sequences.
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The limitation of human information processing in short-term memory requires that displays be kept simple, multiple page displays be consolidated, window-motion frequency be reduced, and sufficient training time be allotted for codes, mnemonics and sequences of actions.
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What is meant by supporting an internal locus of control (according to Schneiderman)?
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Experienced operators feel in charge. User should be initiator, not responder.
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Experienced operators strongly desire the sense that they are in charge of the system, and that it responds to their actions. Design the system to make users the initiators of actions rather than the responders.
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Why should you permit easy reversal of actions (according to Schneiderman)?
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Relieve Anxiety. Encourage exploration. Allow single or groups of reversals.
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This feature relieves anxiety, aince the user knows that errors can be undone; it thus encourages exploration of unfamiliar options. The units of reversability may be a single action, a data entry, or a complete group of actions.
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What is mean by offering simple error handling (according to Schneiderman)?
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Do not allow serious errors. System can detect errors. System offers simple instructions.
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As much as possible, design the system so the user cannot make a serious error. If an error is made, the system should be able to detect the error and offer simple, comprehensible mechanisms for handling the error.
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What is mean by designing dialogue to yeild closure (according to Schneiderman)?
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Organise groups of actions with beginnings and endings. Inform the user when they reach the end of a group. Gives accomplishment. Gives relief. Allows the user to forget about that group. Indicates to continue.
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Sequences of actions should be organised into groups with a beginning, middle, and end. The informative feedback at the completion of a group of actions gives the operators the satisfaction of accomplishment, a sense of relief, the signal to drop contingency plans and options from their minds, and an indication that the way is clear to prepare for the next group of actions.
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What is mean by offering informative feedback (according to Schneiderman)?
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Feedback for each action. Modest reaction for frequent and minor actions. Major actions result in major response.
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For every operator action, there should be some system feedback. For frequent and minor actions, the response can be modest, while for infrequent and major actions, the response should be more substantial
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What is mean by enabling frequent users to use shortcuts (according to Schneiderman)?
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Frequent users want tasks to be faster and simpler to complete. E.g. Abbreviations, function keys (short-cuts), hidden commands, and macro facilities.
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As the frequency of use increases, so does the user's desire to reduce the number of interactions and to increase the pace of interaction. Abbreviations, function keys, hidden commands, and macro facilities are very helpful to an expert user.
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What is meant by striving for consistency (according to Schneiderman)?
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Similar situations require similar user actions. Use consistent language and commands.
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Consisten sequences of actions should be required in similar situations; identical terminology should be used in prompts, menus, and help screens. Consistent commands should be employed throughout.
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What are the 6 sociotechnical principles of organisational HCI?
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It is a working system before the IT system is implemented. Information is necessary for co-ordination and has to be matched to work roles. The IT system must be able to cope with changes the organisation undergoes. The IT system has to help people adapt to changing demands. Design for incompletion (subsystems). Create IT systems that can allow choice, and be customised.
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Who coined the words hypertext and hypermedia, and when?
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Ted Nelson, 1960's
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Who sent the first inter-computer message, and when?
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Douglas Englebart, 1969
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What are the advantages of paper prototyping? (5 Answers)
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Doesn't require advanced skills. Encourages creativity. Can be created and modified quickly. Avoids detailed feedback. Users respond positively if briefed appropriately.
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When was the first hypertext conference held, and how many companies supported it (give 3 examples)
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1987, 23, Apple, Bell, Harvard, Xerox
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When did Englebart invent the computer mouse?
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1966
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Who communicated over the first web server, who built it, and when?
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Tim Berners-Lee and Robert Caililau, Berners-Lee, 1990
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When did Tim Berners-Lee offer his web server for download around the world?
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August 1991
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When did the technology behind the web enter the public domain?
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April 1993
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What occurred during the first test of the IMP (Interface message processor)
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It crashed
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Marc Andressen is credited with creating what in 1992?
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The first globally popular web browser, Mosaic
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Why was Mosaic so successful?
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It had had constant technical and customer support. Its release was advertised across the internet by Tim Berners-Lee. It was available on two popular platforms (Unix and Mac)
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When was the first commercial web browser released, and by who?
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1994, Netscape
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Why did NCSA stop supporting and developing Mosaic?
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Microsoft and Netscape were developing at a rate they couldn't compete with.
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What happened in 1995 that greatly increased the use of the internet?
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Many online services launched. Microsoft launched Windows 95 with IE included
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When was the world wide web consortium (W3C) established?
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1994
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What is the role of the W3C?
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To provide standards and guidelines for protocols and interoperability, as well as web accessibility.
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What is meant by Web 2.0?
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Social networking, wikis, and other tools that emphasize user content and collaboration.
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What is a Folksonomy?
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Collaboratively using tags to annotate and categorize content (e.g. Flickr)
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Why was the web successful?
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Simplicity (Mouse clicks and arrow keys). Coverage (great range of topics and more sources). Compatible (Files and browsers work on all systems). Hypertext (allows users to follow their train of thought). Multimedia.
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What are some web style guidelines?
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Simple web layout. Centred orientation. Design the content, not the page. Use 3D effects, icons and strong colours, but do so sparingly. Soft neutral background colours. Lots of white space. Clear, large text (preferably high resolution). Think Apple.com
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Why is web accessibility important?
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It is a legal requirement. Socially beneficial. Widens the user base.
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What are some typical accessibility considerations?
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Can the site be viewed by or adjusted for people with impaired vision. Does the site make sense when using a screen reader? Is any media suitable for the visually or audibly impaired.
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What year was the Americans with Disabilities Act?
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1990
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What does the Equality Act of 2010 not cover?
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Product design (except websites)
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Define accessibility
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Whether users CAN perform the tasks they want to perform
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Usability is whether they can perform them easily, effectively and efficiently.
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How might impaired vision affect the accessibility of a design?
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The user may have difficulty reading displays and labels.
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How might reduced motor control affect the accessibility of a design?
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User may have difficulty selecting and pressing small keys
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How might back problems affect the accessibility of a design?
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User may have difficulty bending to reach poorly positioned equipment (e.g. ATM)
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How might impaired hearing affect the accessibility of a design?
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User may be unable to hear warnings or confirmations
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How might short term memory problems affect the accessibility of a design?
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User may have difficulty in memorising commands and codes. May find processing information more difficult. Become familiar with the system slower.
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Why might older people have problems with accessibility?
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May not be used to conventions used in other applications if the technology is new to them. Takes longer to pick up knowledge of short-cuts and other accelerators. Lack of confidence in the technology and using it.
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Give examples of some environmental contexts
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Quiet. Foggy. Noisy. Bright. User is tired, having to share, queueing, holding up a queue, or in an urgent situation.
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What is the goal of designing for usability?
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To make the user experience more efficient and satisfying (not simply to access information)
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Why is technical accessibility a pre-condition for usability?
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A product cannot be used if it is not accessible
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Why is it difficult to establish accessibility and usability guidelines?
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Simplifications must be made to make the guidelines general enough to a wide range of products and users. Drawn from best practice, so not validated for all areas. Precise guidelines are disliked by designers. New technologies may not be applicable to the guidelines. Recommendations may be conflicting. User needs can conflict.
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What is the first of the 7 Principles of Universal Design?
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Equitable use: the design must be useful and marketable.
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What is the second of the 7 Principles of Universal Design?
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Flexibility in use: The design must accommodate a wide range of abilities and preferences.
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What is the third of the 7 Principles of Universal Design?
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Simple and Intuitive: The design must be easy to use and understand regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, skills or concentration.
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What is the fourth of the 7 Principles of Universal Design?
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Perceivable Information: The design must communicate information to the user effectively, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
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What is the fifth of the 7 Principles of Universal Design?
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Tolerance for error: The design must minimise hazards and adverse consequences of unintended actions.
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What is the sixth of the 7 Principles of Universal Design?
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Low physical effort: The design must be usable efficiently, comfortably and with minimum fatigue.
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What is the seventh of the 7 Principles of Universal Design?
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Size and space for approach and use: Appropriate size and space must be provided for approach, reach, manipulation and use, regardless of the user's body size, posture or mobility.
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List 5 tips for better PC use
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Help your eyes by changing the background colour, and using clear and large fonts.
Select your mouse pointer to one that you find easy to use, adjust your double click time. Control your keyboard's repeat speed. Use autotext. Use shortcuts to increase speed and avoid RSI |
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How can you test PC accessibility?
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Unplug the mouse, you should still be able to perform all functions, though possibly slower. Turn on High Contrast and ensure the UI is still clear. Turn off the monitor and attempt to use Narrator to use the UI
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What are the advantages of speech input?
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Useful if eyes and hands are occupied (i.e. driving). Effective automatic phone interaction. Can be trained to a user.
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What are the disadvantages of speech input?
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The system is not 100% accurate. Inaccuracies can cause extreme frustration, and can be hard for the user to correct.
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What are the 4 Principles of Web Accessibility?
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Content must be perceivable. UI components must be operable. Controls and content must be understandable. Content must be robust.
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What are the 3 main problems with road transportation?
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Congestion. Pollution. Safety
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What occurs in an 'overload' scenario?
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User has divided attention, high levels of mental workload, and high levels of stress.
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What occurs in an 'underload' scenario?
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Tasks are automated. The user has low levels of mental workload and reduced situational awareness. Can lead to negative behavioural adaptation and de-skilling.
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Why are car navigation systems useful?
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Unfamiliar journeys are common. Drivers will not often choose the most efficient route. When self-navigation goes wrong it can lead to poor driving, and stress. Uncertain drivers may avoid new areas.
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What human factors concerns are there with navigation systems in cars?
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Drivers focus too much on navigation information, or interacting with the navigation device. Mental workload interferes with primary task of driving. Drivers become complacent and blindly follow the systems. Drivers do not learn areas they travel in, becoming dependant on the system.
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What aspects of the design are especially important for vehicle navigation?
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Display interface (what information is displayed? how? where? does it interfere with driving information?). Control interface (how is the system controlled [voice/touch]?, are all functions always usable?)
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Why is adaptive cruise control (ACC) useful?
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Optimise traffic flow on highways by reducing variation in speeds and time gaps between cars (headway). Reduce accidents. User doesn't need to concentrate on a tedious, tiring, and long task.
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What human factors concerns affect ACC?
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Does automation reduce situational awareness? Will monitoring errors occur? Will behaviour change leading to more dangerous driving styles? Will drivers lose skills?
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