Unit 2
Unit 2
• Disadvantages
• Too many menus may lead to information overload or complexity
of discouraging proportions.
• May be slow for frequent users.
• May not be suited for small graphic displays.
b) Direct Manipulation:
• Direct manipulation interfaces allow users to interact with virtual objects
or elements using intuitive actions such as clicking, dragging, and
dropping.
Direct manipulation systems have the following characteristics:
• Visibility of the object of interest.
• Rapid, reversible, incremental actions.
• Replacement of complex command language syntax by direct
manipulation of the object of interest.
• Advantages
• Visually presents task concepts.
• Easy to learn.
• Errors can be avoided more easily.
• Encourages exploration.
• High subjective satisfaction.
• Recognition memory (as opposed to cued or free recall memory)
• Disadvantages
• May be more difficult to programme.
• Not suitable for small graphic displays.
• Spatial and visual representation is not always preferable.
• Metaphors can be misleading since the “the essence of metaphor
is understanding and experiencing one kind of thing in terms of
another” (Lakoff and Johnson 1983: p. 5), which, by definition,
makes a metaphor different from what it represents or points to.
• Compact notations may better suit expert users.
C) Form Filling:
• Form filling involves users entering data into predefined fields or form
elements to complete tasks such as registration, data entry, or
submission.
Advantages
• Simplifies data entry.
• Shortens learning in that the fields are predefined and need only
be 'recognised'.
• Guides the user via the predefined rules.
• CLI allows users to interact with the system by typing commands into a
text-based interface.
Advantages
• Flexible.
• Appeals to expert users.
• Supports creation of user-defined "scripts" or macros.
• Is suitable for interacting with networked computers even with
low bandwidth.
•
Disadvantages
• Retention of commands is generally very poor.
• Learnability of commands is very poor.
• Error rates are high.
• Error messages and assistance are hard to provide because of the
diversity of possibilities plus the complexity of mapping from tasks
to interface concepts and syntax.
• Not suitable for non-expert users.
Breifly Explain Human Computer Interaction and Explain the
importance of Human Input and Output Channels. 10M
HCI (Human-Computer Interaction):
Input Channels:
1. Sight:
Sight is one of the primary input channels for HCI. Users
perceive graphical interfaces, text, icons, images, and other
visual elements presented on computer screens.
Importance: Visual input allows users to navigate interfaces,
interpret information, and interact with digital content
effectively.
2. Hearing:
Hearing enables users to receive auditory feedback, such as
system notifications, alerts, audio prompts, and multimedia
content.
Importance: Auditory input enhances user engagement,
provides feedback on system events, and supports
accessibility for users with visual impairments.
3. Touch:
Touch input involves tactile interactions with touchscreens,
trackpads, buttons, sliders, and other physical controls.
Importance: Touch enables direct manipulation of objects,
gestures, and controls, enhancing the intuitiveness and
responsiveness of user interfaces.
4. Taste and Smell:
While taste and smell are not commonly utilized in HCI due to
technological limitations, they may have applications in
specialized contexts such as virtual reality simulations or
sensory feedback systems.
Output Channels:
1. Limbs:
Limbs, including fingers, hands, arms, and legs, are output
channels through which users interact with physical input
devices and manipulate objects in the environment.
Importance: Limb movements translate user intentions into
actions, facilitating direct manipulation and control of digital
interfaces.
2. Fingers:
Fingers play a crucial role in interacting with touchscreens,
keyboards, mice, and other input devices to navigate
interfaces, input text, and perform gestures.
Importance: Precise finger movements enable accurate and
efficient interaction with digital content, enhancing user
productivity and satisfaction.
3. Eyes:
Eyes receive visual output presented on computer screens,
including text, graphics, animations, videos, and interface
elements.
Importance: Visual feedback from the eyes guides users'
attention, provides context, and conveys information,
supporting comprehension and task completion.
4. Head:
Head movements may be used in specialized HCI applications,
such as virtual reality systems or head-controlled interfaces,
to manipulate viewpoints, navigate environments, or trigger
actions.
5. Vocal System:
The vocal system enables users to produce spoken
commands, interact with voice-controlled interfaces, and
engage in communication with virtual assistants and speech
recognition systems.
Importance: Voice output channels offer hands-free
interaction, support accessibility for users with mobility
impairments, and enhance natural language communication
with computers.
Motor Subsystem:
Cognitive Subsystem:
Manages higher-level mental processes like perception, memory,
attention, reasoning, and decision-making.
Includes functions such as attention, memory encoding, information
processing, and executive functions.
Enables interpretation, analysis, judgment, and adaptation to
internal and external stimuli.
Crucial for learning, problem-solving, planning, and adapting to
environments.
With the help of Norman's Model of Interaction, Design an Interaction Steps
for " Inserting an Image in Word file". Rubrics: Correct Steps of Normans
Model 5 marks Application of Normans model for desinging an interaction 5
marks 10M
Norman's Model of Interaction outlines a structured approach to
understanding how users interact with systems.
b. Gulf of Evaluation
user’s expectation of changed system state
≠ actual presentation of this state
Gulf of evaluation is the degree of ease with which a user can
perceive and interpret whether or not the action they performed
was successful. This gulf is small when the system provides
information about its state in a form that is easy to receive,
interpret, and matches the way the person thinks of the system.
OR
For example, a person can look at a light switch and easily tell
what the current state of the system is (i.e., whether the light is
on or off) and how to operate the switch. This means that the gulf
of execution is small. Norman states that, in order to design the
best interfaces, the gulf must be kept as small as possible.
Example: Consider a website where users submit a form, but upon submission,
they receive a generic error message without clear instructions on how to correct
the mistake. In this case, the gulf of evaluation exists because users struggle to
understand the error message and its implications.
Or
Example: Imagine a smart home system with voice control features. A
user wants to turn on the lights in the living room by issuing a voice
command to the smart assistant. However, after issuing the command,
the smart assistant responds with a generic acknowledgment sound, but
the lights remain off.
In this scenario:
Gulf of Execution: The user's goal is to turn on the lights using voice
commands, but the system lacks clear feedback on whether the
command was understood and executed successfully. The gap
exists between the user's intention and the system's response to
the command.
Gulf of Evaluation: The user receives ambiguous feedback from the
system (acknowledgment sound), but there is no clear indication of
whether the lights have been turned on. The gap exists between the
system's output (acknowledgment sound) and the user's
understanding of whether the lights have been activated.
To bridge the Gulf of Evaluation in this example, the smart home system
could provide clear and informative feedback confirming the successful
execution of the user's command. For instance, the smart assistant could
respond with a verbal confirmation such as, "Lights in the living room are
now turned on," or provide visual feedback on a display indicating the
status of the lights. By closing this gap, users can better understand and
interpret the system's response, leading to a more seamless and intuitive
user experience.
Briefly Describe the three pillars of Deisgn for successful design of User
Interfaces Rubrics:Listing 1 marks, pillars breif 3 * 3 = 9 marks
User Interface Requirements:
1. Dialogue Initiative:
a. Dialogue initiative refers to the ability of the user to control the
interaction with the system..
b. systems should allow users to initiate and guide interactions based
on their preferences and needs..
c. Emphasizes autonomy and empowerment.
d. Design supports clear navigation and customization.
2. Multithreading:
a. Multithreading involves supporting concurrent execution of multiple
tasks or processes within the interface.
b. multithreading enables users to perform several actions
simultaneously or switch between tasks seamlessly. .
c. Recognizes user multitasking needs.
d. Design includes features like tabbed browsing or split-screen
views.
3. Task Migratability:
a. Task migratability refers to the ability to transfer tasks or work
contexts between different devices or environments.
b. users may switch between devices (e.g., from desktop to mobile) or
locations while performing tasks, and interfaces should support this
seamless transition.
c. Supports seamless transitions between platforms.
d. Design includes cross-device compatibility and responsive
layout.
4. Substitutivity:
a. Substitutivity involves providing alternative methods or
representations for accomplishing tasks within the interface.
b. Offers customization options.
c. Supports various input methods.
d. Design includes customizable settings and alternative input
options.
5. Customizability:
1. Observability:
Observability refers to the system's ability to provide clear
and informative feedback to users about its internal state and
ongoing processes.
In HCI, observability ensures that users can easily understand
what the system is doing and why.
Robust interfaces should offer visible indicators, progress
bars, status messages, or other feedback mechanisms to keep
users informed about the system's operations.
Designing interfaces with intuitive feedback enhances user
confidence and reduces uncertainty, especially during
complex or time-consuming tasks.
2. Recoverability:
Recoverability involves the system's ability to recover
gracefully from errors, failures, or user mistakes without losing
data or causing user frustration.
In HCI, recoverability is essential for maintaining user trust
and satisfaction, especially in critical or high-stakes
applications.
Robust interfaces should provide mechanisms for error
detection, error correction, and data recovery to minimize the
impact of failures.
Designing interfaces with undo functionality, automatic
saving, and error handling prompts helps users recover from
mistakes and continue their tasks with minimal disruption.
3. Responsiveness:
Responsiveness refers to the system's ability to provide timely
and accurate responses to user input or requests.
In HCI, responsiveness is crucial for maintaining user
engagement and flow during interactions with the system.
Robust interfaces should prioritize responsiveness by
minimizing latency, processing delays, and waiting times.
Designing interfaces with efficient algorithms, optimized code,
and responsive UI components ensures smooth and fluid
interactions, enhancing user satisfaction and productivity.
4. Task Conformance:
Task conformance involves the system's ability to perform
tasks accurately and consistently according to users'
expectations and requirements.
In HCI, task conformance ensures that users can achieve their
goals effectively and efficiently without encountering
unexpected behavior or errors.
Robust interfaces should conform to users' mental models,
task workflows, and established conventions to facilitate task
completion.
Designing interfaces with clear affordances, logical workflows,
and intuitive navigation supports task conformance, reducing
user errors and cognitive load.
b) Tutorials:
c) Error Messages:
d) Warning Messages:
e) Groupwares:
Explain Fitts' Law ? Discuss the significance of Fitts' Law for the
operator working with interface at biiling counter of D-Mart shopping
mall. 10M
OR
Explain Fitts' Law ? Discuss the significance of Fitts' Law for the
operator working with interface at biiling counter of BigBazar-
shopping mall.
MT=a+b⋅log2(D/W+1)
Where:
1. Functional Grouping:
Arrange controls with similar functions together.
Enhances rapid access and usability.
2. Sequential Order:
Organize controls in the order of task sequence.
Prevents user distraction and errors.
3. Frequency-Based Arrangement:
Place frequently used controls in easily accessible
locations.
Improves efficiency and user experience.
Use of Colors:
1. Distinctiveness of Colors:
Colors should be easily distinguishable.
2. Unaffected by Changing Contrast:
Maintain color clarity in different contrast settings.
3. Conventions of Color Usage:
Follow color conventions for indicating actions (e.g., red
for warnings).
Health Issues:
1. Physical Position:
Ensure interactions are not tiring and controls are
easily accessible.
2. Temperature:
Maintain comfortable temperature levels for user
performance.
3. Lighting:
Adequate lighting to prevent discomfort and eye strain.
4. Interaction Time:
Limit prolonged interaction time to prevent
overexposure to displays.
5. Noise Levels:
Maintain appropriate noise levels to avoid disturbance
and hearing loss.
Explain Screen Design Principles with Example. (each point such as grouping
of items, order of items, decoration, alignment of items, white spaces; carries
2 marks)
Screen design principles are essential for creating user interfaces that are
intuitive, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Let's delve into each
principle along with examples:
1. Grouping of Items:
Grouping related items together improves visual organization
and helps users quickly identify and locate information.
Example: In an e-commerce app, grouping product details
such as name, price, and description together in a card layout
enhances readability and makes it easier for users to compare
products.
2. Order of Items:
Presenting information in a logical sequence or order guides
users through the interface and facilitates task completion.
Example: In a registration form, arranging fields such as
name, email, and password in a top-to-bottom sequence
follows a natural flow of information input.
3. Decoration:
Use of visual elements such as icons, colors, and imagery can
enhance the aesthetic appeal and convey meaning or
importance.
Example: Using a vibrant color scheme and icons to highlight
primary action buttons like "Submit" or "Checkout" draws
users' attention and prompts interaction.
4. Alignment of Items:
Consistent alignment of elements creates a sense of order and
professionalism, improving readability and visual appeal.
Example: Aligning text labels and input fields in a form
ensures a neat and organized layout, reducing cognitive load
for users.
5. White Spaces:
Incorporating ample white space around elements provides
breathing room, improves readability, and directs users' focus.
Example: In a news article layout, generous white space
between paragraphs and sections enhances readability and
prevents information overload.
List the 8-golden rules of interface design. Summerize any four with
appropriate example. (Writing 8-golden rules- 2 marks and summerising each
rule- 2 marks)