Component 14 - Key Definitions

Question 1

The nature of abstraction

Answer 1

Abstraction is the removal of unnecessary detail from a problem. Abstraction can also be the hiding of complexity from a user in order to make a system easier to use, for example, a GUI is an example of abstraction because it is intuitive and easy to use, yet hides the underlying complexity of what is really happening when a user performs an action

Question 2

The need for abstraction

Answer 2

Abstraction is necessary in algorithm design as it helps us to focus solely on the problem, it prevents the objectives becoming too broad. In HCI, abstraction helps us to ensure the system is as simple and easy to use as possible for the end user

Question 3

The differences between an abstraction and reality

Answer 3

Abstract concepts may not fully represent their real world counterparts. Attempting to mimic real world objects is called “skeuomorphism.” for example a program in which we take notes may look like actual lined notepaper. An abstracted version of the same program would remove this detail as it is unnecessary to solve the problem/perform the task it is designed to do.