COMP3511/9511 Human Computer Interaction
Sample Questions


Provide short essay style responses to the following questions.


1. In the context of User Interface Design, what is meant by the term feedback? How should feedback be incorporated into design of user interfaces? Provide examples to illustrate your response.


2. In a meeting with the executives of a computer software company, they decided that they were going to move their usability testing schedule so that it would start several weeks before the beta release. This was mainly due to the fact that they said the testing was expensive and hence could be paid for by budget surpluses discovered at the end of the project. What would be your response? Justify your reasoning.


3. You are required to design a remote control device for a web browser similar in concept to those devices used for controlling a TV or video recorder. This would enable a user to browse the Internet with a wireless remote control.
- Who would you involve in your interview process
- Develop 2 scenarios for the wireless remote system
- Present a usability test plan that describes how you would conduct a usability evaluation of your design.
- What would you need implement if you were to support blind users?


4. Describe what is meant by natural mappings. Provide a sketch to illustrate your answer.


5. Discuss the user-centred advantages and disadvantages of using a touch screen input technology in a kiosk-based tourist guide system.


6. What is the split attention effect? How can we make use of the split attention effect when designing user interfaces? Sketch examples to support your response.


7. Visual information can be shown in a variety of ways on a computer display. Define and describe a set of design criteria that you would use to arrange a user interface. Sketch examples to support your explanation.


8. Experts can be involved in the design of a user interface. Explain how they may contribute to the design process. What are the advantages and disadvantages of involving an expert?


9. What is keystroke level modelling? When and how would you use keystroke level modelling in the user interface design process? Provide an example illustrating the use of keystroke level modelling.


10. You have been asked to develop a mobile phone based system that enables drivers to pay for their street parking using their mobile phone. One of the goals of this system is to make it more convenient for users since they don’t have to carry change. Instead of requiring cash, drivers will be billed for parking via their monthly mobile phone bill. Each current parking meter will be able to provide the driver with a reference number that uniquely identifies the parking position.