Explain consistency of signposting + pop up information
- buttons located in same place
- similar colour schemes
- type + style of fonts
- the user will be familiar with a consistent set up.
What are the factors that should be taken into account when designing a good interface?
- Consistency of signposting + pop up information
- On screen help
- Layout appropriate to task
- Differentiation between user expertise
- Clear navigational structure
- Disabled people using computers
Explain on screen help
- enables the user to search for help when required
* signposting - pop up information to explain to the user what function buttons carry out
Explain layout appropriate to task
- appropriate for the type of task it’s supposed to do
- paint or CAD packages appropriate for drawing tasks
- spreadsheet for maths
- little text and lots of pictures - software for young children learning maths
Explain differentiation between user expertise
- novices with limited knowledge of computers
- experienced users who use a computer daily
- experts who use computers to programme and create new software
( command line - GUI wimps)
Explain clear navigational structure
- clear to the user so that tasks can be carried out without confusion.
Wizards help with hard tasks; - creating forms or reports in database packages
- websites - navigation buttons in same position - easy to find on every page
Appropriate interfaces for disabled people?
- blind people - talking computer or use voice interfaces to input data
- braile keyboards
- visually impaired people - text can be increased
Explain why consistency of signposting and pop up information is important
It becomes intuitive therefore you learn it more quickly
- colour scheme pale blue + yellow which is softer for the eyes so not resulting in eye strain, easier for people who are colour blind (pale blue + yellow)
- font size - ability to change if person is short or long sited
Explain why on screen help is important
Allows user to get help easier than calling help desk which would waste time
Examine the different needs of an expert user and a novice user and describe how they can be met when designing the HCI
The novices users priority will be ease of learning/intuitive and easy access to help. The expert user will want to get the job done in the least possible time. Novice user will need clear navigation structure. Novice user will use wizards which are not as flexible as setting it out yourself. Expert user knows the commands and will find it quicker
Factors that should be taken into account when designing an interface for young children
- have a minimum amount of text on screen
- use child friendly font/font size
- use bright colours to attract the child’s attention
- involve minimal use of the keyboard
Describe three factors using examples should be taken into account when designing a good HCI
- Consistency if 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 program’s (if it is clear) as users do not have to keep learning things, there should be a standard feel to the system e.g large/ minimal text for a child to minimise reading which builds up confidence
- On screen help 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
- Disabled access e.g if a person is blind then the computer could recognise voice input/ Braille keyboard
- Expertise of the 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
Discuss using examples the features of a HCI that would be suitable for the disabled user
- use of speech recognition rather than keyboards for users who cannot use keyboard or mouse
- use of specialist input devices such as those which use blow pipes or eye movements
- ability to magnify areas of the screen to aid users with bad eyesight
- use of correct colour schemes to help people who are colour blind / dyslexia
- illustrated use of Braille device
- illustrated use of text to speech output
- use visual messages rather than beeps or warning noises for uses who are deaf.
- use of a large mouse for people with poor coordination
Use and benefit of a biometric HCI?
Retina scan/iris recognition to gain access to room, thumbprints to take out a library book.
Advantage - individual/ difficult to copy
Describe a sensible use of a voice HCI and a benefit?
Slow typist dictating an essay directly into the computer/ handicapped person dictating an essay directly into the computer
Advantage - allows people without arms to enter work into a computer, allows people with poor coordination to work faster
Describe a sensible use and benefit of a touch sensitive screen?
Shop pod
Advantage - font have to remember prices
Public information system such as in museums - no need for a mouse or keyboard which could get stolen or broken easily
Name an application which uses voice interface and discuss any problems associated with the use of voice interfaces
Speech recognition systems
E.g voice control in car navigation systems
Problems
Have to train computer to recognise voice which takes a long time
