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CORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
INSTITIÚID TEICNEOLAÍOCHTA CHORCAÍ
Semester 1 Examinations 2012/
Module Title: Human-Computer Interaction Design
Module Code: SOFT
School: School of Computing & Maths
Programme Title: Master of Science in Software Development
Programme Code: KSDEV_9_Y
External Examiner(s): Dr. Thomas Dowling Internal Examiner(s): Mr. Paul Rothwell
Instructions: Attempt any 2 of the 4 questions. All questions carry equal marks.
Duration: 2 Hours
Sitting: Winter 2012/
Requirements for this examination:
Note to Candidates: Please check the Programme Title and the Module Title to ensure that you have received the correct examination paper. If in doubt please contact an Invigilator.
a) Give and fully discuss general definitions of HCI and usability engineering. In your discussion include reference to: (i) the goals of Human-Computer Interface research; (ii) the attributes of usability. [20 marks]
b) With the aid of examples, fully describe your understanding of the following design heuristics: i. Error prevention; ii. Recognition rather than recall. [20 marks]
c) Write a short proposal for the introduction of ONE of the following methods into the software development process you manage: Heuristic Analysis OR Paper Prototyping. In your proposal give a brief summary of the method and present arguments in favour of its introduction. You should outline the benefits and be realistic about the costs. [30 marks]
d) “In designing and implementing a user interface you are creating a virtual world that must present a coherent picture of the software it interfaces with.” Discuss this claim focusing on both the implications raised by the characteristics of human perception and the role of interface metaphors. [30 marks] [Total: 100 marks]
a) List and briefly characterise the main sections in a context of use. [10 marks] “ The information recorded in the Context of Use is central to usability engineering.” Discuss this claim with the aid of examples focusing on its role in requirements gathering and in interface evaluation and testing. [20 marks]
b) Give and fully explain a definition of direct manipulation. [5 marks] Briefly characterise the types of feedback required in the three phases of direct manipulation. [10 marks] With the aid of examples , briefly discuss the claim that “good feedback design requires knowledge of users‟ goals.” [10 marks]
c) Outline the steps involved in a task analysis. [10 marks] “The main focus of the analysis is on the information that is being exchanged between the user and the software.” Discuss this claim by explaining the kinds of questions that need to be addressed in that context. [15 marks]
d) Nielsen recommends both „Visibility of system status‟ and „Flexibility and efficiency of use‟. Briefly discuss how Task Analysis can help to inform the design of interfaces that adhere to these principles. [20 marks] [Total:100 marks]
a) Why should the introduction of usability engineering into in an existing software development process be phased? [10 marks] List and explain four activities that can help in such a phased introduction. [20 marks]
b) You have been asked to organise a „cognitive walkthrough‟ of a paper prototype. Write the full and detailed instructions you would give to everyone involved. Make sure to address issues that play an important role in the success or failure of such a meeting. [30 marks]
c) With the aid of a diagram, fully describe and explain the main components of usability, and the relationships between them, as described in the ISO 9241 standards. [20 marks]
d) Identify and briefly explain an issue that might, in your opinion, work against the successful introduction of usability methods into an existing organisation. What can be done to avoid the problems you identify? [20 marks] [Total:100 marks]
