Topic 3: Human-Computer Interface (HCI)

Question 1

Name 3 factors to consider when defining a user interface (for example, for a software application or a website).

Answer 1

Clear navigational structure
Consistency of signposting
On-screen help
Layout appropriate to task
Differentiation in user expertise
Differentiation for professionals vs consumers
Customisable by the user
Design reflects organisation’s house-style & ethos
Use by disabled people
Use by young children
Location where the interface will be accessed

Question 2

Give an example of ‘clear navigational structure’ on a website.

Answer 2

The user should be able to navigate without needing read separate instructions. For example, ‘forward’ and ‘back’ buttons on a website should be clearly labeled and be in the same place on every webpage.
The design should guide the user through a task, such as booking a holiday, in a logical series of small steps.

Question 3

What does ‘consistency of signposting’ mean?

Answer 3

The user should never wonder what to do next. All buttons and menus should appear in the same place throughout the design. Intuitive for the user.

Question 4

Name three factors that are important when designing a software interface for young children.

Answer 4

Minimal amount of text on screen.
Use of bright colours.
Minimal use of the keyboard is required.
Use of speech synthesis so words can be heard as well as read.

Question 5

Name three factors that are important when designing an interface for a user of Computer Aided Design software.

Answer 5

The user should be able to customise the interface.
Use of pull-down menus to maximise the available workspace.
Use of specialised input devices like 3D mouse, graphics pads and large touch screen.
Most commonly used menu items should appear at the top.

Question 6

Name three factors that are important when designing an interface for a disabled user.

Answer 6

Large fonts for visually impaired people
Speech recognition and text-to-speech translation for people with restricted movement
Visual messages on screen instead of sound for the deaf
Subtitles for video contentfor deaf people
Use of correct colour schemes for colourblind people- not red and green together
Use of high contrast between text and background
Use of Braille keyboards for blind people
Avoid use of Captcha or similar authentication checks that are difficult to read

Question 7

Describe how a well-designed Human-Computer Interface (HCI) can satisfy the needs of an adult novice user of a software application.

Answer 7

An HCI design for a novice user should prioritise ease of use.
A novice user will need clear a navigation structure though the application, for example using hyperlinks and menus.
A consistent colour scheme will help with signposting.
A novice user will prefer wizards, rather than selecting settings individually.
They will need help screens and tutorials to get them started and to overcome difficulties.