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Chapter 2: Universal Usability
Discussion Topics with Answers
1. Describe three populations of users with special needs. For each of these
populations, suggest three ways current interfaces could be improved to better serve
them.
Elderly, very young, not computer savvy. Some of this work has begun by
tailoring control panels for Windows and Mac interfaces, e.g. default font
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sizes. There is still much work to do regarding introduction to computers. The
One Laptop Per Child initiative is a start for two of the three items listed here.
2. Suppose you need to design a system for users in both the United States and Japan.
Present a list of cultural differences that you should be aware of so that a successful
design can be made.
TO
There are a number of references on internationalization of user interfaces.
Not only the difference in the languages, but cultural differences need to be
considered. Usability testing with both U.S. and Japanese users is a must. A
classic reference is “International User Interfaces” by Elisa M. del Galdo and
Jakob Nielsen. Another is available at:
http://www.amanda.com/cms/uploads/media/AMA_GlobalizationUserInterfaceDesignWeb.pdf
R
3. In certain interfaces, it is necessary to inform users of an abnormal condition or
time-dependent information. It is important that the display of this information
catches the user's attention. Suggest five ways a designer can successfully attract
attention.
G
Consider an air traffic control system operator display with an alert condition
of two planes being too close to each other. One can alert an operator by
changing the color displayed for the plane’s identification information, using a
warning that pops-up, using a warning that flashes on/off, an audible beep, or
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a constant audio alarm. Certainly usability testing these proposed solutions
with real air traffic controllers so designers can trade-off successfully
attracting the attention of the operator vs. causing one to totally lose their
train of thought and make conditions worse.
R
4. Name a piece of software you often use where it is easy to produce an error. Explain
ways you could improve the interface to better prevent errors.
U
Not to mention names, but some desktop operating system vendors do
publish updates to their products without fully testing their changes,
sometimes causing more difficulty than not making the change in the first
place. My suggestion would be to use a beta test group more often of people
who are committed to responding with timely, incisive feedback before the
change is released to the general population.
5. List some human physiological or psychological factors that can influence human
operator performance.
trewew
R
U
G
R
TO
TU
, U
R
U
G
R
TO
TU
, U
R
U
G
R
TO
TU
, gfdsa
Chapter 2: Universal Usability
Discussion Topics with Answers
1. Describe three populations of users with special needs. For each of these
populations, suggest three ways current interfaces could be improved to better serve
them.
Elderly, very young, not computer savvy. Some of this work has begun by
tailoring control panels for Windows and Mac interfaces, e.g. default font
TU
sizes. There is still much work to do regarding introduction to computers. The
One Laptop Per Child initiative is a start for two of the three items listed here.
2. Suppose you need to design a system for users in both the United States and Japan.
Present a list of cultural differences that you should be aware of so that a successful
design can be made.
TO
There are a number of references on internationalization of user interfaces.
Not only the difference in the languages, but cultural differences need to be
considered. Usability testing with both U.S. and Japanese users is a must. A
classic reference is “International User Interfaces” by Elisa M. del Galdo and
Jakob Nielsen. Another is available at:
http://www.amanda.com/cms/uploads/media/AMA_GlobalizationUserInterfaceDesignWeb.pdf
R
3. In certain interfaces, it is necessary to inform users of an abnormal condition or
time-dependent information. It is important that the display of this information
catches the user's attention. Suggest five ways a designer can successfully attract
attention.
G
Consider an air traffic control system operator display with an alert condition
of two planes being too close to each other. One can alert an operator by
changing the color displayed for the plane’s identification information, using a
warning that pops-up, using a warning that flashes on/off, an audible beep, or
U
a constant audio alarm. Certainly usability testing these proposed solutions
with real air traffic controllers so designers can trade-off successfully
attracting the attention of the operator vs. causing one to totally lose their
train of thought and make conditions worse.
R
4. Name a piece of software you often use where it is easy to produce an error. Explain
ways you could improve the interface to better prevent errors.
U
Not to mention names, but some desktop operating system vendors do
publish updates to their products without fully testing their changes,
sometimes causing more difficulty than not making the change in the first
place. My suggestion would be to use a beta test group more often of people
who are committed to responding with timely, incisive feedback before the
change is released to the general population.
5. List some human physiological or psychological factors that can influence human
operator performance.
trewew
