Human-Computer Interaction Certificate Exam
Question 1
What term describes the field that studies the design and use of computer
technology focusing on the interfaces between people and computers?
A. Computer Science
B. Human–Computer Interaction
C. User Experience
D. Software Engineering
Correct: B
Explanation: Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) is the interdisciplinary field
concerned with designing and evaluating user interfaces.
Question 2
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a core principle of HCI?
A. Usability
B. Accessibility
C. Profitability
D. Efficiency
Correct: C
, Human-Computer Interaction Certificate Exam
Explanation: Usability, accessibility, and efficiency are central to HCI;
profitability is a business concern, not an HCI principle.
Question 3
Who is often credited with the concept of the “memex,” an early vision for
interactive information systems?
A. Douglas Engelbart
B. Vannevar Bush
C. Alan Turing
D. Ivan Sutherland
Correct: B
Explanation: Vannevar Bush proposed the memex in 1945 as a way to
augment human memory with machines.
Question 4
Which interdisciplinary domain contributes to HCI by studying how people
think and process information?
A. Sociology
B. Cognitive Psychology
C. Electrical Engineering
, Human-Computer Interaction Certificate Exam
D. Marketing
Correct: B
Explanation: Cognitive psychology examines mental processes like perception
and memory, informing interface design.
Question 5
In a modern context, which technology presents unique HCI challenges due
to three-dimensional interaction?
A. Desktop GUIs
B. Virtual Reality
C. Command-Line Interfaces
D. Batch Processing
Correct: B
Explanation: Virtual reality requires designing for depth perception, motion
tracking, and immersion.
Question 6
Which of these is an example of a wearable device relevant to HCI?
A. Smartwatch
B. Desktop Monitor
, Human-Computer Interaction Certificate Exam
C. Laser Printer
D. Router
Correct: A
Explanation: Smartwatches are wearables that require specialized interface
design for small screens and gestures.
Question 7
What does “affordance” refer to in interface design?
A. The cost of the system
B. A visual cue that suggests how an element should be used
C. The memory capacity required
D. The speed of system response
Correct: B
Explanation: Affordances are cues, like a button’s shape, that imply its
functionality.
Question 8
Which heuristic refers to the system keeping users informed about what is
going on through timely feedback?
A. Match between system and real world
Question 1
What term describes the field that studies the design and use of computer
technology focusing on the interfaces between people and computers?
A. Computer Science
B. Human–Computer Interaction
C. User Experience
D. Software Engineering
Correct: B
Explanation: Human–Computer Interaction (HCI) is the interdisciplinary field
concerned with designing and evaluating user interfaces.
Question 2
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a core principle of HCI?
A. Usability
B. Accessibility
C. Profitability
D. Efficiency
Correct: C
, Human-Computer Interaction Certificate Exam
Explanation: Usability, accessibility, and efficiency are central to HCI;
profitability is a business concern, not an HCI principle.
Question 3
Who is often credited with the concept of the “memex,” an early vision for
interactive information systems?
A. Douglas Engelbart
B. Vannevar Bush
C. Alan Turing
D. Ivan Sutherland
Correct: B
Explanation: Vannevar Bush proposed the memex in 1945 as a way to
augment human memory with machines.
Question 4
Which interdisciplinary domain contributes to HCI by studying how people
think and process information?
A. Sociology
B. Cognitive Psychology
C. Electrical Engineering
, Human-Computer Interaction Certificate Exam
D. Marketing
Correct: B
Explanation: Cognitive psychology examines mental processes like perception
and memory, informing interface design.
Question 5
In a modern context, which technology presents unique HCI challenges due
to three-dimensional interaction?
A. Desktop GUIs
B. Virtual Reality
C. Command-Line Interfaces
D. Batch Processing
Correct: B
Explanation: Virtual reality requires designing for depth perception, motion
tracking, and immersion.
Question 6
Which of these is an example of a wearable device relevant to HCI?
A. Smartwatch
B. Desktop Monitor
, Human-Computer Interaction Certificate Exam
C. Laser Printer
D. Router
Correct: A
Explanation: Smartwatches are wearables that require specialized interface
design for small screens and gestures.
Question 7
What does “affordance” refer to in interface design?
A. The cost of the system
B. A visual cue that suggests how an element should be used
C. The memory capacity required
D. The speed of system response
Correct: B
Explanation: Affordances are cues, like a button’s shape, that imply its
functionality.
Question 8
Which heuristic refers to the system keeping users informed about what is
going on through timely feedback?
A. Match between system and real world
