HCI

Question 1

HCI Features

Answer 1

Consistency of signposting and pop up information
—e.g. Every ‘Next’ should be in the same place using the same icon. Navigation around the program should be clear consistent and easy to follow. – intuitive, learn faster

Clear navigational structure
—e.g. It speeds things up if there is a similar route through the programs (if it is clear) as users do not have to keep learning things / Helps users learn their way around the system. There should be standard ‘feel’ to software.

Location of where machine is to be used
—e.g. No sound in a noisy area. Touch screens in museums / factories / etc (with explanation of why).

House Style/Ethos
—e.g. So that it conveys who the organisation is and all the company documents look/feel the same. Specific point about colour blindness e.g. Design to avoid red/green combination - blue/yellow best combination.

On Screen / online help files (built in with software)
—e.g. Rather than wasting time looking in manuals, important if no outside help available when working / Tool tips telling the user what to do / interactive user manual that answers general FAQ.

Disabled Access
—e.g. If a person is blind then the computer could recognise voice input / Braille keyboard.

Expertise of the user/ ability of user / difference between novice and expert user
—An expert user will need shortcuts so that the task can be completed as quickly as possible whereas a novice will need a number of steps to guide them. NOT age

Customisable to suit the needs of the user
—e.g. Makes it more efficient if the user can change items to suit their work preference.

Question 2

HCI Experts

Answer 2

—The expert user will want to get the job done in the least possible time (1)

—Expert user knows the commands (1) and will find it quicker than clicking though a series of windows (1) (dos window to use ipconfig compared to getting the same info from windows (1))

—Increased number of ways of performing the same operation (1)

—Shortcuts which the experienced user can use rather than going through a series of menus (1)

Question 3

HCI Novices

Answer 3

—The novice user’s priority will be ease of learning/ intuitive (1) and easy access to help

—Novice user will need clear navigational structure (1)

—Novice user will use wizards which are not as flexible as setting it out yourself (1)

—Colour scheme making it easier to use (1)

Question 4

HCI Disabled

Answer 4

—Changing font size - Visually Impaired

—Changing background colour - Visually Impaired

—Eye movement (eye typer) for entering text

—Blow pipes (sip and puff) or eye movements for entering text.

—Use large mouse or trackball for people - poor coordination.

—Brain waves - if you can’t physically use keyboard/mouse.

—Sub titles - deaf.

—Voice Interface - Speaking to it

—Voice Synthesis - Speaking out - Visually Impaired