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INF1520
Assignment 03
2022
Due date
06 June 2022
+27682021794 www.myassignments.co.za [AUTHOR NAME]
, QUESTION 1 [13]
1.1 Explain why the keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order
of QWERTY. (4)
On the first ever rectangular typewriter keyboard, the keys were arranged
alphabetically. This allowed for typing speeds that were too much for the
typewriter’s mechanics – if the typing was too fast, the parts would get jammed.
The solution was to rearrange the keys in a way that would slow down the typist.
Here, a natural evolutionary process was followed, but the main driving force
was the mechanical limitations of the instrument. People got so used to using
the QWERTY keyboard, that it is still used today even if it was designed
according to constraints that have disappeared long ago
1.2 There are, potentially, many mistakes that designers can make when
designing interfaces. Specify what are the most problematic mistakes
designers make. (3)
• the forces that work against evolutionary design,
• putting aesthetics first (that is, form over function)
• and designers regarding themselves as typical users.
1.3 Name and explain three common design mistakes users make when
designing interfaces?
Putting Aesthetics above Usability:
The competitive commercial environment provides good motivation to employ
graphic designers and artists to create attractive interfaces. Unfortunately, these
designers do not always understand the importance of usefulness and usability.
Thinking for the User:
Designers sometimes believe that they know what the user would want, thinking that
they can put themselves in the shoes of the user. Designers are no different – they
will subconsciously build interfaces according to their own preferences and
knowledge. If designers continue to think in terms of engineering abstractions rather
than the objects and operations in the users’ task, then they are unlikely to produce
successful interfaces.
Cluttering the Interface:
It can be difficult for users to take in and understand the many different objects that
are presented on the screen. Some may be missed entirely. The more objects you
present on the screen at once, the more meanings users will have to unravel
2
Call or Whatsapp +27682021794
www.myassignments.co.za
INF1520
Assignment 03
2022
Due date
06 June 2022
+27682021794 www.myassignments.co.za [AUTHOR NAME]
, QUESTION 1 [13]
1.1 Explain why the keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order
of QWERTY. (4)
On the first ever rectangular typewriter keyboard, the keys were arranged
alphabetically. This allowed for typing speeds that were too much for the
typewriter’s mechanics – if the typing was too fast, the parts would get jammed.
The solution was to rearrange the keys in a way that would slow down the typist.
Here, a natural evolutionary process was followed, but the main driving force
was the mechanical limitations of the instrument. People got so used to using
the QWERTY keyboard, that it is still used today even if it was designed
according to constraints that have disappeared long ago
1.2 There are, potentially, many mistakes that designers can make when
designing interfaces. Specify what are the most problematic mistakes
designers make. (3)
• the forces that work against evolutionary design,
• putting aesthetics first (that is, form over function)
• and designers regarding themselves as typical users.
1.3 Name and explain three common design mistakes users make when
designing interfaces?
Putting Aesthetics above Usability:
The competitive commercial environment provides good motivation to employ
graphic designers and artists to create attractive interfaces. Unfortunately, these
designers do not always understand the importance of usefulness and usability.
Thinking for the User:
Designers sometimes believe that they know what the user would want, thinking that
they can put themselves in the shoes of the user. Designers are no different – they
will subconsciously build interfaces according to their own preferences and
knowledge. If designers continue to think in terms of engineering abstractions rather
than the objects and operations in the users’ task, then they are unlikely to produce
successful interfaces.
Cluttering the Interface:
It can be difficult for users to take in and understand the many different objects that
are presented on the screen. Some may be missed entirely. The more objects you
present on the screen at once, the more meanings users will have to unravel
2
