Q#1: Define Attention
Answer: Attention is the process of selecting things to concentrate on, at a point in time, from the range of possibilities available.
Ref: Handouts, Page 76
Q#2: Define Recognition
Answer: Recognition refers to the act of recognizing or identifying something as having been previously seen, heard, or known.
Ref: Handouts
Q#3: Difference between Tertiary and Analogous colors
Answer:
- Tertiary Colors: Formed by mixing one primary and one secondary color. Examples: Yellow-orange, Red-orange, Red-purple, Blue-purple, Blue-green, Yellow-green.
- Analogous Colors: Any three colors side by side on a 12-part color wheel. One color usually predominates. Example: Yellow-green, Yellow, Yellow-orange.
Ref: Handouts, Page 64
Q#4: Explain pointing devices and trackball [2+3 Marks]
Answer:
- Pointing devices help users specify a point or path in 1D, 2D, or 3D space. Examples: Mouse, Touchpad, Trackball, Joystick, Touchscreen, Eye Gaze.
- Trackball: Cursor is controlled by rotating a ball on the device rather than moving the entire device.
Ref: Handouts, Pages 64, 115
Q#5: Vertical scroll bar & Norman’s principles [2×5 Marks]
Answer:
- Affordance: Scrollbar handle suggests it can be dragged.
- Constraints: Can only move vertically, preventing horizontal movement.
- Mapping: Up/down arrow movement corresponds to scrolling content up/down.
- Visibility: Scrollbar shows visible portion of content relative to the total.
- Feedback: Position of the handle updates as content moves.
Interface Model: The scrollbar represents a visual model of the document’s position within its total content.
Ref: Handouts, Pages 104–108
Q#6: Steps to construct personas
Answer:
- Revisit persona hypothesis
- Map interview subjects to behavioral variables
- Identify significant behavior patterns
- Synthesize characteristics and relevant goals
- Check for completeness
- Develop narratives
- Designate persona types
Ref: Handouts, Page 14
Q#6 (Shampoo Plan Question)
Answer: No, it is not a good plan. A single shampoo does not account for different user needs (performance, foam, irritation, conditioning). User testing and multiple formulations are required.
Ref: Handouts
Q#6: Norman model focus in HCI
Answer: Mental Model
Ref: Handouts, Page 63
Q#7: Briefly explain physical constraints [2 Marks]
Answer: Physical constraints restrict movement based on shape or size. Example: An external disk fits only one way into a drive.
Ref: Handouts, Page 106
Q#8: User-centered approach [2 Marks]
Answer: Real users and their goals, not technology, drive product development.
Ref: Handouts, Page 172
Q#9: Usefulness of metaphor [3 Marks]
Answer: Metaphors help developers understand, agree on, and communicate system functionality.
Q#10: Research phase of goal-directed design [3 Marks]
Answer: Focuses on balancing user desires with business viability and technical feasibility. Avoid overemphasis on technology.
Ref: Handouts, Page 157
Q#11: Customer vs Corporate goals (Non-User Goals) [5 Marks]
Answer: Non-user goals include customer, corporate, and technical goals. They must be considered but not prioritized over user needs.
Ref: Handouts, Page 193
Q#12: Dialog boxes in WIMP [5 Marks]
Answer: Dialog boxes are widgets for user interaction. Example: Pointer changes from arrow to crosshair while drawing. Other widgets include menus, toolbars, buttons, and palettes.
Ref: Handouts, Page 131
Q#13: How to construct persona (steps)
Answer: 1. Define the problem, 2. Identify the people, 3. Get into the field
Q#14: Improve university website GUI
Answer: Use padded block links, typesetting buttons, color/contrast for attention, letter spacing, auto-focus inputs, hover controls.
Ref: Handouts, Page 145
Q#15: Preference for command-line interface
Answer: Requires memorization of commands; less configurable. Efficient only after user invests significant time.
Ref: Handouts, Page 246
Q#16: Use of radio buttons and checkboxes
Answer:
- Radio buttons: Mutually exclusive options.
- Checkboxes: Non-exclusive options (e.g., font styles: bold, italic, underline).
Ref: Handouts, Page 133
Q#17: Modeling phase & persona
Answer: Personas help: determine product functionality, communicate with stakeholders, build consensus, measure design effectiveness, support marketing and sales.
Ref: Handouts, Page 187
Q#18: Norman’s interaction framework
Answer: User chooses goal → formulates plan → executes → evaluates results → determines next action.
- Gulf of execution: Difference between intended and allowed actions.
- Gulf of evaluation: Difference between system presentation and user expectation.
Ref: Handouts, Page 122
Q#19: Design principles – Visibility & Affordance
Answer:
- Visibility: Users can see what actions are possible. Example: Car controls.
- Affordance: Object suggests how to use it. Example: Mouse button invites pushing.
Ref: Handouts, Pages 104–108