INF1520
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, INF1520 Assignment 3
Question 1 [13]
1.1 Explain why the keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order of
QWERTY. (4)
The QWERTY keyboard layout was developed by Christopher Latham Sholes in the
early 1870s for use in mechanical typewriters. Its arrangement was specifically
designed to reduce mechanical jams caused by the close positioning of commonly used
letter pairs. In early typewriters, when two adjacent typebars were struck quickly in
succession, they would often collide and get stuck. To reduce this problem, Sholes
intentionally spaced out frequently used letter combinations (like “TH” or “ER”) across
the keyboard. The resulting layout, known as QWERTY due to the first six letters in the
top letter row, aimed to increase typing speed by avoiding these mechanical failures.
Although modern computers no longer use typebars or face the same mechanical
limitations, the QWERTY layout remains the standard due to inertia, widespread
training, and its established role in typing education and business operations globally.
Changing the layout now would require retraining users and modifying devices, making
the QWERTY layout a legacy standard in digital systems.
1.2 There are, potentially, many mistakes that designers can make when
designing interfaces. Specify what are the most problematic mistakes designers
make. (3)
1. Neglecting User Needs: Designers often fail to understand the real needs,
expectations, and abilities of their target users. Without proper user research and
persona development, interfaces are designed with assumptions, leading to
confusion and poor user experiences.
ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2025
, INF1520 Assignment 3
Question 1 [13]
1.1 Explain why the keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order of
QWERTY. (4)
The QWERTY keyboard layout was developed by Christopher Latham Sholes in the
early 1870s for use in mechanical typewriters. Its arrangement was specifically
designed to reduce mechanical jams caused by the close positioning of commonly used
letter pairs. In early typewriters, when two adjacent typebars were struck quickly in
succession, they would often collide and get stuck. To reduce this problem, Sholes
intentionally spaced out frequently used letter combinations (like “TH” or “ER”) across
the keyboard. The resulting layout, known as QWERTY due to the first six letters in the
top letter row, aimed to increase typing speed by avoiding these mechanical failures.
Although modern computers no longer use typebars or face the same mechanical
limitations, the QWERTY layout remains the standard due to inertia, widespread
training, and its established role in typing education and business operations globally.
Changing the layout now would require retraining users and modifying devices, making
the QWERTY layout a legacy standard in digital systems.
1.2 There are, potentially, many mistakes that designers can make when
designing interfaces. Specify what are the most problematic mistakes designers
make. (3)
1. Neglecting User Needs: Designers often fail to understand the real needs,
expectations, and abilities of their target users. Without proper user research and
persona development, interfaces are designed with assumptions, leading to
confusion and poor user experiences.
