INF1520
Assignment 3 2025
, INF1520 Assignment
Question 1
1.1 Explain why the keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order of
QWERTY.
The QWERTY keyboard layout was originally designed for mechanical typewriters in the
19th century. The main reason for the QWERTY arrangement was to reduce jamming of
keys. When frequently used letters were placed too close together, typewriter arms
would collide. To solve this, the inventor Christopher Sholes arranged the keys so that
commonly used letter combinations were spaced out. Although modern keyboards no
longer have this mechanical problem, the QWERTY layout remained due to user
familiarity and standardization over time.
1.2 Specify what are the most problematic mistakes designers make when
designing interfaces.
Some of the most problematic mistakes in interface design include:
• Lack of user feedback: When users perform actions but receive no confirmation
or response, they become confused or unsure if the task succeeded.
• Inconsistent layout or terminology: If buttons, colors, or labels change meaning
across different pages or screens, users struggle to navigate and understand the
interface.
• Overloading users with information: Crowded or cluttered screens make it hard
for users to focus, increasing the chances of errors or abandonment.
1.3 Name and explain three common design mistakes users make when
designing interfaces.
1. Ignoring user needs or goals
Many designers focus on what the system can do rather than what the user needs. This
leads to interfaces that are functional but not user-friendly, making tasks harder to
complete.
Assignment 3 2025
, INF1520 Assignment
Question 1
1.1 Explain why the keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order of
QWERTY.
The QWERTY keyboard layout was originally designed for mechanical typewriters in the
19th century. The main reason for the QWERTY arrangement was to reduce jamming of
keys. When frequently used letters were placed too close together, typewriter arms
would collide. To solve this, the inventor Christopher Sholes arranged the keys so that
commonly used letter combinations were spaced out. Although modern keyboards no
longer have this mechanical problem, the QWERTY layout remained due to user
familiarity and standardization over time.
1.2 Specify what are the most problematic mistakes designers make when
designing interfaces.
Some of the most problematic mistakes in interface design include:
• Lack of user feedback: When users perform actions but receive no confirmation
or response, they become confused or unsure if the task succeeded.
• Inconsistent layout or terminology: If buttons, colors, or labels change meaning
across different pages or screens, users struggle to navigate and understand the
interface.
• Overloading users with information: Crowded or cluttered screens make it hard
for users to focus, increasing the chances of errors or abandonment.
1.3 Name and explain three common design mistakes users make when
designing interfaces.
1. Ignoring user needs or goals
Many designers focus on what the system can do rather than what the user needs. This
leads to interfaces that are functional but not user-friendly, making tasks harder to
complete.
