Exam 10: Human Computer Interaction Layer Design

The advantage of direct manipulation is that it permits the user to enter extensive data by keystroke and allows the user to size objects within three keystrokes.

The goal of the output mechanism is to simply and easily capture accurate information for the system, typically by using on-line or batch processing, capturing data at the source, and minimizing keystrokes.

Which of the following ways of enabling users to communicate with the system is most commonly used?

With batch processing (sometimes called transaction processing), each input item is entered into the system individually, usually at the same time as the event or transaction prompting the input.

Michelle and Tom have been assigned the task of creating the menu system for a new software package. They have been given the following information about the system and the prospective users of the system. There are to be only two types of menus used. The users of the new system are very familiar with Windows applications, but are considered "novices." The primary menu items should be just one word that leads to other menus. The second-level can be multiple words that perform actions. Due to limited development time image maps and toolbars should be excluded from the selection process. What types of menus would you recommend Michelle and Tom? Define each and support your answer.

The goal of the input mechanism is to present information to users so they can accurately understand it with the least effort, usually by understanding how reports will be used and designing them to minimize information overload and bias.

Which of the following interface evaluation techniques involves a highly structured assessment of the users' interaction with the system?

The user interface design principle that places an emphasis on the user's ability to always know where he / she is in the system and what information is being displayed is _____.

Novice and expert users are both usually most concerned with "ease of use" of a new system.

The user interface design principle that places an emphasis on the intuitive flow of the interface (i.e. left to right and top to bottom) to minimize the user's movements is _____.

The interface standard that describes the general appearance of all the screens in the information system and the paper-based forms and reports that are used / developed by the system is the interface templates.

A(n) _____ check ensures that combinations of data are valid, for example, does the zip code of an address correspond to the correct state name.

The _____ design principle requires that a report not provide all the available information, only the information that is needed.

The grammar order of the navigation controls may be random (object-action or action-object) throughout an application.

The final step in the user interface design process, interface evaluation, usually does not yield any improvements, because by that stage of the design process, all of the "bugs" will normally have been removed from the system.

All forms and reports need a minimal amount of white space that is intentionally left blank.

Discuss three design principles that can improve the usability of menus.

One of the rules for designing multilingual user interface is to use humor language in the interface.

Use scenarios are developed and used during the evaluation of the interface as a check on what could go wrong.

Quarters, Inc. is a company that sells maps of the U.S.A. that have pre-fitted holes corresponding to the recently release quarters with state emblems on the back. The maps are display cases and collectors guides for families or individuals participating in the program. Six months ago the marketing manager requested a new system that would allow retailers of the maps to order them in packs of fifty over the Internet. Three retailers are local and have volunteered to participate in a half-day evaluation of the new system. The new web-based system is almost complete. As the IS testing manager you have been assigned the task of testing the new system. Describe the four methods for interface evaluation and make a recommendation on the appropriate method or methods that would best fit the system described.