APPLE MACINTOSH

Question 1

In what year was the Macintosh made?

Answer 1

1983

Question 2

What was the key factor the Macintosh introduced to the computing market?

Answer 2

Industrial and user-centred design that emphasised usability and user experience over cryptic and inaccessible hardware and software capabilities

Question 3

Where did the designers get their inspiration for the Macintosh from?

Answer 3

Iconic cars - i.e ‘we need it to have a classic look that won’t go out of fashion, like the VW Beetle’ - Steve Jobs. Other comparisons include Ferraris and Porsches

Question 4

Why was the Macintosh made to look like a face?

Answer 4

The baby-face features convey a light and playful quality that seemed more user-friendly than other computers. Serious users, such as businessmen, did not find this appealing

Question 5

What was the purpose of the handle on the Macintosh?

Answer 5

This enabled the computer to be easily carried unlike any computer before it, even playfully swung, suggesting practicality and functionality merging with a bit of a toylike aesthetic

Question 6

How did the Macintosh revolutionise human interaction?

Answer 6

It was the first computer to employ a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that included a fixed menu system and direct manipulation icons

Question 7

What were some of the problems surrounding the disk drive of the Macintosh?

Answer 7

Some say it should be centrally aligned, making it more accessible for left and right handed users, as well as giving better visual balance

Question 8

What material did the Macintosh computer, mouse and keyboard all consist of?

Answer 8

ABS

Question 9

Why was the keyboard of the Macintosh user friendly?

Answer 9

It was more like a typewriter, a simpler design that lacked numerous control and function keys of more cluttered keyboards