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INF1520 - ASSIGNMENT 3 2023
Question 1
1.1 There are, potentially, many mistakes that designers can make when designing
interfaces. Explain what is meant by Norman (1999) Hampering of the Natural Evolution
of Design, with specific reference to forces that works against evolution design.
Answer: Norman (1999) Hampering of the Natural Evolution of Design refers to the
forces that work against the natural evolution of design. These forces include the
tendency to copy existing designs, the lack of feedback from users, the lack of
understanding of user needs, and the lack of resources to develop new designs.
1.2 User should avoid clutter especially when designing interfaces. Provide some
reasons why it is important to avoid cluttering of interfaces?
Answer: It is important to avoid cluttering of interfaces because it can make the
interface difficult to use, it can make it difficult to find the information needed, and it can
make the interface look unprofessional. Cluttering can also lead to confusion and
frustration for the user.
Question 2
Define the following terms:
2.1 Synchronous and asynchronous systems
Answer: Synchronous systems are systems that require two or more participants to be
online and interacting at the same time. Asynchronous systems are systems that allow
participants to interact at different times.
2.2 Problems associated with information age.
Answer: Problems associated with the information age include the spread of
misinformation, cyberbullying, data breaches, and privacy concerns.
Question 3
What are the five principles that relate flexibility?
Answer:
1. Visibility: Making sure that the user can easily see the options available to them.
2. Mapping: Ensuring that the user can easily understand the relationship between the
controls and the actions they will cause.
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3. Feedback: Providing the user with feedback on their actions and the results of those
actions.
4. Constraints: Limiting the user's options to only those that are valid and appropriate.
5. Consistency: Ensuring that the user interface is consistent across different contexts
and platforms.
Question 4
4.1 Discuss what is meant by the term mapping and provide an example
Answer: Mapping is the process of creating a relationship between two different
objects. An example of mapping is the use of a mouse to move a cursor on a computer
screen.
4.2 Explain with the aid of an example what natural mapping are normally used for with
specific reference to the figure indicated?
Answer: Natural mapping is a type of mapping that uses physical objects or actions to
represent a digital action. An example of natural mapping is the use of a joystick to
control a character in a video game.
4.3 What does the page backward and forward icons provide? Affordance, constraint or
natural mapping.
Answer: The page backward and forward icons provide an affordance. An affordance is
a feature of an object that suggests how it can be used.
INF1520 - ASSIGNMENT 3 2023
Question 1
1.1 There are, potentially, many mistakes that designers can make when designing
interfaces. Explain what is meant by Norman (1999) Hampering of the Natural Evolution
of Design, with specific reference to forces that works against evolution design.
Answer: Norman (1999) Hampering of the Natural Evolution of Design refers to the
forces that work against the natural evolution of design. These forces include the
tendency to copy existing designs, the lack of feedback from users, the lack of
understanding of user needs, and the lack of resources to develop new designs.
1.2 User should avoid clutter especially when designing interfaces. Provide some
reasons why it is important to avoid cluttering of interfaces?
Answer: It is important to avoid cluttering of interfaces because it can make the
interface difficult to use, it can make it difficult to find the information needed, and it can
make the interface look unprofessional. Cluttering can also lead to confusion and
frustration for the user.
Question 2
Define the following terms:
2.1 Synchronous and asynchronous systems
Answer: Synchronous systems are systems that require two or more participants to be
online and interacting at the same time. Asynchronous systems are systems that allow
participants to interact at different times.
2.2 Problems associated with information age.
Answer: Problems associated with the information age include the spread of
misinformation, cyberbullying, data breaches, and privacy concerns.
Question 3
What are the five principles that relate flexibility?
Answer:
1. Visibility: Making sure that the user can easily see the options available to them.
2. Mapping: Ensuring that the user can easily understand the relationship between the
controls and the actions they will cause.
, 2
3. Feedback: Providing the user with feedback on their actions and the results of those
actions.
4. Constraints: Limiting the user's options to only those that are valid and appropriate.
5. Consistency: Ensuring that the user interface is consistent across different contexts
and platforms.
Question 4
4.1 Discuss what is meant by the term mapping and provide an example
Answer: Mapping is the process of creating a relationship between two different
objects. An example of mapping is the use of a mouse to move a cursor on a computer
screen.
4.2 Explain with the aid of an example what natural mapping are normally used for with
specific reference to the figure indicated?
Answer: Natural mapping is a type of mapping that uses physical objects or actions to
represent a digital action. An example of natural mapping is the use of a joystick to
control a character in a video game.
4.3 What does the page backward and forward icons provide? Affordance, constraint or
natural mapping.
Answer: The page backward and forward icons provide an affordance. An affordance is
a feature of an object that suggests how it can be used.
