INF1520
Assignment 3
DUE 15TH July 2024
, QUESTION 1
1.1 QWERTY Keyboard Arrangement:
The keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the QWERTY layout primarily due
to historical reasons and considerations of typing efficiency with mechanical
typewriters. Here are the key reasons:
• Typewriter Design: The QWERTY layout was originally designed in the 1860s
for mechanical typewriters. It aimed to prevent jamming of mechanical keys
by placing commonly used letter pairs apart from each other.
• Typing Efficiency: Despite the widespread belief that QWERTY was designed
to slow typists down, it was actually designed to optimize typing speed by
placing frequently used letters on opposite sides of the keyboard, alternating
hands, to reduce strain and increase speed.
• Standardization: Once established, the QWERTY layout became
standardized across typewriters and later computers, making it familiar and
entrenched in the industry.
1.2 Common Interface Design Mistakes:
Designers can make several critical mistakes when creating interfaces, but some of
the most problematic include:
• Poor Navigation: Confusing or inconsistent navigation systems can frustrate
users and make it difficult for them to find what they need.
• Overloading with Information: Providing too much information at once can
overwhelm users and hinder their ability to focus on important tasks.
• Ignoring User Feedback: Failing to incorporate user feedback leads to
interfaces that don't meet user needs, resulting in reduced usability and
satisfaction.
1.3 User Design Mistakes:
Users can also make design mistakes when creating interfaces. Three common
ones include:
• Cluttered Interfaces: Users sometimes overcrowd their interfaces with
unnecessary elements, making it difficult for users to navigate efficiently.
• Inconsistent Design: Users may use different styles or layouts throughout their
interface, leading to a lack of visual coherence and usability.
• Ignoring Accessibility: Users may forget to consider accessibility features such
as color contrast or screen reader compatibility, which can exclude users with
disabilities from using their interface effectively.
Assignment 3
DUE 15TH July 2024
, QUESTION 1
1.1 QWERTY Keyboard Arrangement:
The keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the QWERTY layout primarily due
to historical reasons and considerations of typing efficiency with mechanical
typewriters. Here are the key reasons:
• Typewriter Design: The QWERTY layout was originally designed in the 1860s
for mechanical typewriters. It aimed to prevent jamming of mechanical keys
by placing commonly used letter pairs apart from each other.
• Typing Efficiency: Despite the widespread belief that QWERTY was designed
to slow typists down, it was actually designed to optimize typing speed by
placing frequently used letters on opposite sides of the keyboard, alternating
hands, to reduce strain and increase speed.
• Standardization: Once established, the QWERTY layout became
standardized across typewriters and later computers, making it familiar and
entrenched in the industry.
1.2 Common Interface Design Mistakes:
Designers can make several critical mistakes when creating interfaces, but some of
the most problematic include:
• Poor Navigation: Confusing or inconsistent navigation systems can frustrate
users and make it difficult for them to find what they need.
• Overloading with Information: Providing too much information at once can
overwhelm users and hinder their ability to focus on important tasks.
• Ignoring User Feedback: Failing to incorporate user feedback leads to
interfaces that don't meet user needs, resulting in reduced usability and
satisfaction.
1.3 User Design Mistakes:
Users can also make design mistakes when creating interfaces. Three common
ones include:
• Cluttered Interfaces: Users sometimes overcrowd their interfaces with
unnecessary elements, making it difficult for users to navigate efficiently.
• Inconsistent Design: Users may use different styles or layouts throughout their
interface, leading to a lack of visual coherence and usability.
• Ignoring Accessibility: Users may forget to consider accessibility features such
as color contrast or screen reader compatibility, which can exclude users with
disabilities from using their interface effectively.
