CLASS TEST FOR HUMAN COMPUTER INTERFACE REGULAR CLASS

(BIT317)

Q1. What is HCI? And state why it is important as a field of study?.........2marks

HCI human computing interface is a multidisciplinary field of study concerned with
the design, evaluation and implementation of interactive computing systems for
human use and with the study of major phenomena surrounding them. It aim is to
bridge the divide between a human(user) and the technology of a computing system
by taking into account the key requirements necessary to ensure that user have the
best experience when using computing systems to perform various functions.

Q2. Explain the following concepts; .2marks

Usability.0.7
Usability is the principle underlining the efforts/factors to design computing
interfaces that meet requirements such as effectiveness, efficiency, safety,
utility, easy to learn and remember how to use.

Interaction design.0.6
Interaction design is a design philosophy that aim/seeks to design interface
systems with the goal of supporting people in their everyday and working
lives.Creating user experiences that enhance and extend the way people
work, communicate and interact.

User experience.0.7

Satisfying, Enjoyable, Fun, Entertaining, Helpful, Motivating, Aesthetically

pleasing Supportive of creativity, Rewarding, Emotionally fulfilling etc.( at least
any mention of 3 should earn full mark)

Q3. What is a user interface and how important is it in computing? 2marks

User interface can be described as the point of communication between the
human user and the computer. Since the interface is a point of contact between
the two parties it is very important that these two are able to interact in the best
possibly manner. Computing systems are used today in many critical operations of
our daily lives and it is therefore important the user who interacts with them for the
sole purpose of carrying out a task are able to do that in the best possible manner i.e
Usability and user experience. Generally a good interface will facilitate tasks to be
performed by the user whereas a bad interface can prove to be very deadly or costly
in the performance of vital duties. It is therefore important within the computing

environment that user interfaces are paid much attention to and their design is gotten
right. A good user interface can be the difference between market acceptance or
rejection.

Q4. Bad User interfaces are known to cause a wide array of problems on the user.
List five consequences of bad user interface in a working environment.
0.4 for each
2marks
Need more time for performing their tasks
Make more errors
Feel dissatisfied
Need more time for learning how to use the software
Not learn/use the full functionality of the software
If given a choice refrain from using the software

Q5. . Ben Schneidermans 8 golden rules can be summarized into the ff. 3 roles.
Placing the control in the users hand..0.7
Makes it easier for the user to navigate the interface with minimal
difficulty. However there should be a balance between user control and
misuse. The user should not be able to destroy the interface or system data
in any way.
Designing a consistent interface0.7
A good interface is consistent in terms of visual appearance as well as
actions. E.g. exclamation mark(!) icon is used for showing error message in
most interface. If you adopt that icon then you should use it consistently in
your interface.
Placing the least amount of burden on user memory.0.6
Briefly explain each rule.
2marks
A consistent interface places few burdens on the users memory. As much
as possible make tasks easier to carry by placing few processes or
steps. Also make use of icons that represent real world objects to represent
various tasks.