INF1520
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, Human-Computer Interaction I
Question 1
1.1 Why are the keys on a computer keyboard arranged in the QWERTY layout?
The QWERTY layout was designed in the 1870s by Christopher Latham Sholes, the
inventor of the typewriter. The purpose of this layout was to prevent the mechanical
typebars of early typewriters from jamming. By placing commonly used letters far apart,
it slowed down typing just enough to avoid mechanical issues. Although technology has
improved, the QWERTY layout remained due to habit and user familiarity, becoming the
standard even for today’s computer keyboards (Johnson, 2020).
1.2 What are the most problematic mistakes designers make when designing
interfaces?
Designers often make mistakes that negatively affect user experience. Some common
issues include:
Designing without understanding the users or their needs.
Making the interface too complex, which confuses users.
Ignoring accessibility features, making it hard for people with disabilities to use
the system (Preece et al., 2015).
1.3 Name and explain three common design mistakes users make when
designing interfaces.
1. Inconsistency – Designers sometimes use different styles or layouts on different
pages. This confuses users, who expect similar items to behave the same.
2. Poor Feedback – If the system doesn’t show a clear response to a user's action,
users might think it’s not working. For example, clicking a button and nothing
happens.
3. Too Much Information – Overloading users with options or information makes it
hard to focus and choose. Simpler designs work better for users (Rogers et al.,
2011).
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, Human-Computer Interaction I
Question 1
1.1 Why are the keys on a computer keyboard arranged in the QWERTY layout?
The QWERTY layout was designed in the 1870s by Christopher Latham Sholes, the
inventor of the typewriter. The purpose of this layout was to prevent the mechanical
typebars of early typewriters from jamming. By placing commonly used letters far apart,
it slowed down typing just enough to avoid mechanical issues. Although technology has
improved, the QWERTY layout remained due to habit and user familiarity, becoming the
standard even for today’s computer keyboards (Johnson, 2020).
1.2 What are the most problematic mistakes designers make when designing
interfaces?
Designers often make mistakes that negatively affect user experience. Some common
issues include:
Designing without understanding the users or their needs.
Making the interface too complex, which confuses users.
Ignoring accessibility features, making it hard for people with disabilities to use
the system (Preece et al., 2015).
1.3 Name and explain three common design mistakes users make when
designing interfaces.
1. Inconsistency – Designers sometimes use different styles or layouts on different
pages. This confuses users, who expect similar items to behave the same.
2. Poor Feedback – If the system doesn’t show a clear response to a user's action,
users might think it’s not working. For example, clicking a button and nothing
happens.
3. Too Much Information – Overloading users with options or information makes it
hard to focus and choose. Simpler designs work better for users (Rogers et al.,
2011).
