consistency
compatibility
population stereotype
channels (user resources)
feedback
error prevention
error recovery
user control
visual clarity
prioritization
transfer of technology
affordances
Questions
Explain the difference between consistency and compatibility using examples from
your experiences with software interfaces.
Which user resources are involved in each of the following types of software use?
playing a computer game involving a joystick
watching a video clip on your computer screen
typing a letter using word processing software
composing music using a software package
Describe a situation in software interfaces that has the same feedback problem
as the hand-held remote described by the author on page 29. How could you solve
the problem?
The author describes (p. 32) an example where a timeout feature caused usability
problems. Given an example from GUIs where a timeout feature actually
improves usability.
Visual clarity is a goal. Name at least 3 mechanisms for improving visual clarity that
are available to a GUI designer.
Name three ways that Visual Basic prioritizes the functionality and information
presented to the user.