Homework 5

Review of a Human-Computer Interface Proposal

810:171

Software Systems

Spring Semester 2001

Goals

1. To integrate the ideas about interfaces that you have read about and worked with in class.

2. To understand these ideas better through having applied them to the design for a new user interface.

3. To learn more about what makes an effective design, in terms of both content and form.

Tasks

Complete the following task as an individual.

1. Read the human-computer interface paper given to you in class on April 3.

2. Review the user interface that is described by this design. Base your analysis on:

   • the content of the design. How well does the paper follow the guidelines, principles, and heuristics that we have encountered so far in Designing the User Interface? Is the authors' design feasible to build? Is the authors' design feasible to use?

     Approximately 75-80% of your critique should focus on content.

   • the form of the analysis. Is the paper clear, well-organized, and well-formatted? Is it easy for a reader to follow? Is it cohesive? Is it repetitive?

     Approximately 20-25% of your critique should focus on form.

3. Prepare a paper that presents your analysis of the paper in a professional manner, both in style and substance.

Submission

Bring three copies of your paper to class by 9:30 AM on Thursday, April 5. Two copies must be "unsigned".