Question 1
1.1 To slow down the typist because arranging alphabetically allowed the typing speeds
were too much for typewriter’s mechanics causing the parts to jam.
1.2
1. The demands of time
The new version of an object is often released even before the old one has been
updated. Even if someone took the trouble to get feedback from users of the old
version, there is not enough time to address the problems with the previous one.
Microsoft often releases a new version of their operating system when there are still
problems with it because releasing it on the promised date is more important than
providing customers with a bug-free application. Hence the need for “service packs”
and “hot fixes”.
2. Pressure to be distinctive
Each design must have features that distinguish it from previous versions so that
consumers can be lured with statements such as “a new improved version”. Often
the new model doesn’t even incorporate the good qualities of its predecessor.
3. The curse of individuality and market differentiation
Companies that manufacture the same type of product have to come up with a
unique design which carries their signature. This means that if one company perfects
a product, other companies that manufacture the same product often make an
inferior product in the name of individuality. Of course, the quest for individuality
can also lead to innovative solutions to real problems, but the goal should be to
improve the product or solve the problem, not just to stand out.
1.3
• It can be difficult for users to take in and understand the profusion of objects on the
screen. Some may even be missed entirely.
• The more objects you present on the screen, the more meanings users will have to
unravel.
• The more objects you present, the harder it is for users to find the ones that they
really need.
• The more objects on the screen, the smaller the average size of each object. This
makes it harder to select and manipulate individual screen components.
Question 2
1. Dialogue initiative - Allowing the user freedom from artificial constraints on the input
dialogue imposed by the system.
2. Multi-threading - Ability of the system to support user interaction pertaining to more
than one task at a time.
1.1 To slow down the typist because arranging alphabetically allowed the typing speeds
were too much for typewriter’s mechanics causing the parts to jam.
1.2
1. The demands of time
The new version of an object is often released even before the old one has been
updated. Even if someone took the trouble to get feedback from users of the old
version, there is not enough time to address the problems with the previous one.
Microsoft often releases a new version of their operating system when there are still
problems with it because releasing it on the promised date is more important than
providing customers with a bug-free application. Hence the need for “service packs”
and “hot fixes”.
2. Pressure to be distinctive
Each design must have features that distinguish it from previous versions so that
consumers can be lured with statements such as “a new improved version”. Often
the new model doesn’t even incorporate the good qualities of its predecessor.
3. The curse of individuality and market differentiation
Companies that manufacture the same type of product have to come up with a
unique design which carries their signature. This means that if one company perfects
a product, other companies that manufacture the same product often make an
inferior product in the name of individuality. Of course, the quest for individuality
can also lead to innovative solutions to real problems, but the goal should be to
improve the product or solve the problem, not just to stand out.
1.3
• It can be difficult for users to take in and understand the profusion of objects on the
screen. Some may even be missed entirely.
• The more objects you present on the screen, the more meanings users will have to
unravel.
• The more objects you present, the harder it is for users to find the ones that they
really need.
• The more objects on the screen, the smaller the average size of each object. This
makes it harder to select and manipulate individual screen components.
Question 2
1. Dialogue initiative - Allowing the user freedom from artificial constraints on the input
dialogue imposed by the system.
2. Multi-threading - Ability of the system to support user interaction pertaining to more
than one task at a time.
