Lecture 11 (Human Cognition) Flashcards
What are the 4 stages of focussed attention?
- Identify primitives
- Combine primitives
- Perception
- Memory
How to grab the attention of a user with interface exploits?
- Colour
- Font
- Weight
- Sound
Where should blue colour be used? Why?
In large areas and not thin lines
- Blue has a calming effect on a person
Where should red and green be used?
In the centre of the field of view
Where should black, white, yellow be used?
In periphery vision
Eye fatigue colours
- Blue and red, or blue and yellow
- Green text on red background or red text on green/blue
How to make a game look less cluttered?
Use perception
What are mental models?
- ** Find a definition
e. g. Floppy disk icon represents saving
What are the three types of human memory function?
- Sensory memories
- Short-term memory or working memory
- Long-term memory
What is Sensory Memory?
Sensory memory lasts about 1-2 seconds and is the immediate perception of stimuli in the environment
- Can either dismiss that perception, or transfer is to short-term memory (30 seconds) or perhaps long-term (forever)
What is Short-term memory (STM)?
Reduce or eliminate the need to memorize and recall things
- A game should not require users to remember things, users should learn by doing
- Don’t expect novice users to memorize commands or concepts after showing them only once
What is Long-term memory function?
Design to move important and frequently used commands and concepts to Long-Term memory
- If a certain command or concept has not appeared for a while, it may be worth refreshing users’ memory
- Allow users to hide memory aids as they please
Wtf are Mnemonics?
Technique to help improve long-term memory
How does learning apply to games and interfaces?
A good interface or good game usually allows its users to learn by doing
- Avoid overcomplicated interfaces that will require a user to read a manual or FAQ
- People can become frustrated quickly and easily
