Solution Manual for Designing the User Interface: Strategies for Effective Human-Computer Interaction, 6th Edition

Chapter 2: Universal Usability Discussion Topics with Answers 1. Describe three populations of users with special needs. For each of these populations, suggest three ways current interfaces could be improved to better serve them. Elderly, very young, not computer savvy. Some of this work has begun by tailoring control panels for Windows and Mac interfaces, e.g. default font sizes. There is still much work to do regarding introduction to computers. The One Laptop Per Child initiative is a start for two of the three items listed here. 2. Suppose you need to design a system for users in both the United States and Japan. Present a list of cultural differences that you should be aware of so that a successful design can be made. There are a number of references on internationalization of user interfaces. Not only the difference in the languages, but cultural differences need to be considered. Usability testing with both U.S. and Japanese users is a must. A classic reference is “International User Interfaces” by Elisa M. del Galdo and Jakob Nielsen. Another is available at: http://www.amanda.com/cms/uploads/media/AMA_GlobalizationUserInterfaceDesignWeb.pdf 3. In certain interfaces, it is necessary to inform users of an abnormal condition or time-dependent information. It is important that the display of this information catches the user’s attention. Suggest five ways a designer can successfully attract attention. Consider an air traffic control system operator display with an alert condition of two planes being too close to each other. One can alert an operator by changing the color displayed for the plane’s identification information, using a warning that pops-up, using a warning that flashes on/off, an audible beep, or a constant audio alarm. Certainly usability testing these proposed solutions with real air traffic controllers so designers can trade-off successfully attracting the attention of the operator vs. causing one to totally lose their train of thought and make conditions worse. 4. Name a piece of software you often use where it is easy to produce an error. Explain ways you could improve the interface to better prevent errors. Not to mention names, but some desktop operating system vendors do publish updates to their products without fully testing their changes, sometimes causing more difficulty than not making the change in the first place. My suggestion would be to use a beta test group more often of people who are committed to responding with timely, incisive feedback before the change is released to the general population. 5. List some human physiological or psychological factors that can influence human operator performance. © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc., Hoboken, NJ. All rights reserved Variations in physical abilities and physical workplaces, diverse cognitive and perceptual abilities, personality types, and factors affecting perceptual and motor performance, such as: ‒ Arousal and vigilance ‒ Fatigue and sleep deprivation ‒ Perceptual (mental) load ‒ Knowledge of results and feedback ‒ Monotony and boredom ‒ Sensory deprivation ‒ Nutrition and diet ‒ Fear, anxiety, mood, and emotion ‒ Stress ‒ Drugs, smoking, and alcohol ‒ Physiological rhythms © 2017 Pearson Education, Inc., Hoboken, NJ. All rights reserved