6. Input/Output

Question 1

What are input technologies?

Answer 1

Tools and methods for users to send data such as typing and speaking

Question 2

What do output technologies refer to?

Answer 2

Ways systems communicate, such as screen and sound

Question 3

What leads to function in input/output technologies?

Answer 3

The interplay between input and output

Question 4

What are the specific goals of input technologies?

Answer 4

Accuracy, efficiency, accessibility

Question 5

Do we need usability testing for input/output technologies?

Answer 5

YES!

Usability tests help determine the effectiveness of input/output tech.

Question 6

What is an A/B test?

Answer 6

A method to compare two input options

If unsure which input to use, A/B testing can measure efficiency.

Question 7

What are the specific goals of output technologies?

Answer 7

Clarity, feedback, engagement

These goals make system feedback easy to interpret, confirm user actions, and enhance user experience.

Question 8

What are traditional input technologies?

Answer 8

Mechanical devices like keyboards, mice, joystick
Pointing technologies, like styluses and touchpads

These devices allow for indirect manipulation of on-screen elements.

Question 9

What is pointing input technology?

Answer 9

Touchpad, styluses

This technology allows for direct manipulation of on-screen elements.

Question 10

What are emerging input technologies?

Answer 10

Touch inputs, voice input, gestures, holographic inputs, and EMG

Examples include touchscreens, voice assistants, and motion tracking technologies.

Question 11

What are traditional output types?

Answer 11

Visual displays and audio outputs

Visual displays include monitors, while audio outputs include speakers and headphones.

Question 12

What are emerging output types?

Answer 12

Haptic and holographic displays

Haptic feedback includes vibrations, while holographic displays present 3D visuals.

Question 13

What aspects are evaluated in usability testing for input/output technologies?

Answer 13

Task completion time, error rate, user satisfaction

These metrics help assess the effectiveness and user experience of the technologies.

Question 14

What is a touch screen?

Answer 14

A device that allows users to interact with systems via direct touch

Touch screens can be classified into different types based on their technology.

Question 15

What happens in a resistive touchscreen when you touch it?

Answer 15

You complete the circuit, allowing the system to detect the touch location

Resistive screens can be used with gloves.

Question 16

What happens in a capacitive touchscreen when you touch it?

Answer 16

You break the circuit, allowing the system to detect the touch location.
iPhones were the first capacitive phone

Capacitive screens do not work with gloves.

Question 17

How do infrared screens work?

Answer 17

They use a grid of IR sensors to detect touch by stopping the beam

The microcontroller reads the interruption and determines the action.

Question 18

What technology does Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) use?

Answer 18

Ultrasonic waves sent along the surface of the screen

Touching the screen absorbs part of the sound wave.

Question 19

How do optical touchscreens track touch points?

Answer 19

Using cameras or sensors

They can detect touches with various objects.

Question 20

What is a main advantage of resistive screens compared to capacitive ones?

Answer 20

Resistive screens are cheaper

However, they lack multi-touch capability.

Question 21

What is an advantage of capacitive screens?

Answer 21

They are more resitive and work with a light touch

Question 22

How do infrared and optical screens compare to SAW?

Answer 22

Infrared and optical work with any object but are more expensive; SAW offers high clarity but is sensitive to contaminants

Question 23

What is haptics?

Answer 23

The science of applying force-feedback between humans and computers

Haptics is used in various applications, including gaming and training simulations.

Question 24

Where are haptics commonly used?

Answer 24

Cell phones, car knobs, game engines, racing cars, pilot training

Haptic feedback enhances user experience across these devices.

Question 25

What are the two types of haptics?

Answer 25

Tactile and kinesthetic ## Footnote Tactile deals with textures and vibrations, while kinesthetic deals with force feedback.

Question 26

What is vibrotactile feedback?

Answer 26

Feedback that enables the user to feel the texture of a surface using electric vibrators ## Footnote It can also provide nudges for corrections.

Question 27

What is a thermal display in haptics?

Answer 27

A method to convey sensations of cold or heat ## Footnote This enhances the realism of haptic feedback.

Question 28

What does small-scale shape convey in haptics?

Answer 28

Information about the shape and surface of an object using closely spaced pins ## Footnote This allows users to approximate the desired shape with their fingertips.

Question 29

What does degree of freedom (DOF) refer to?

Answer 29

The number of parameters that may be independently varied ## Footnote Low DOF is 1 to 3, high DOF is 4-6, and very high DOF is 6+.

Question 30

What is haptic feedback in user interfaces?

Answer 30

Applying vibrations and forces to a person’s body via actuators ## Footnote This can be integrated into clothing or handheld devices.

Question 31

What defines Tangible User Interfaces (TUI)?

Answer 31

A UI that is holdable ## Footnote TUIs allow interaction with digital information through physical objects.

Question 32

What are gestures?

Answer 32

Movements of the hands, fingers, or body that allow users to interact with digital systems ## Footnote Includes tactile gestures, eye tracking gestures, and air gestures.

Question 33

What are the types of gesture-based interactions?

Answer 33

* Touchscreen gestures * Air-based gestures * Eye tracking ## Footnote Touchscreen gestures include press and hold, tapping, and double tapping.

Question 34

What is gesture detection?

Answer 34

Capturing, interpreting, and classifying human movements ## Footnote Involves sensor-based and vision-based detection methods.

Question 35

What is the process for sensor-based gesture detection?

Answer 35

Raw sensor data -> signal processing -> gesture classification ## Footnote This process enables the interpretation of gestures.

Question 36

What is vision-based gesture detection?

Answer 36

Cameras capture movement, algorithms analyze video feeds ## Footnote Requires RGB cameras, depth cameras, and skeleton tracking.

Question 37

What is the process for vision-based gesture detection?

Answer 37

Image capture -> feature extraction -> gesture recognition ## Footnote This process allows recognition of gestures from video feeds.

Question 38

What is touch-based detection?

Answer 38

Detects gestures via contact points on a surface ## Footnote It uses capacitive touch, resistive touch, and multi-touch tracking.

Question 39

What is the process for touch-based gesture detection?

Answer 39

Touch event -> coordinate mapping -> gesture interpretation ## Footnote This allows the system to understand user interactions.

Question 40

What is electromagnetic and radio-based detection?

Answer 40

Uses electromagnetic fields or radio waves to sense motion ## Footnote Requires RFID/NFC or radar technology.

Question 41

What is the process for electromagnetic and radio-based detection?

Answer 41

Signal reflection -> motion pattern analysis -> gesture classification ## Footnote This process helps in classifying gestures based on motion patterns.

Question 42

How does machine learning enhance gesture detection?

Answer 42

Through pattern learning ## Footnote Techniques include supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and real-time processing.

Question 43

What are the key components of gesture detection systems?

Answer 43

* Hardware: sensors, processors * Software: algorithms for signal processing and classification * Calibration * Feedback ## Footnote Calibration is essential for accurate recognition.

Question 44

What are the key principles of accessibility?

Answer 44

Perceivable: user must be able to perceive info Operable: users must be able to navigate and interact Understandable: content and interface must be easy to comprehend Robust: compatible with assistive technology ## Footnote These principles ensure that information is accessible to all users.

Question 45

What types of impairments should be considered in accessibility design?

Answer 45

* Visual impairment * Hearing impairment * Motor impairment * Cognitive impairment ## Footnote Each type has unique accessibility needs.

Question 46

What should be included in user research and testing for accessibility?

Answer 46

Include users with disabilities in usability testing ## Footnote This ensures that designs meet diverse accessibility needs.

Question 47

What are important factors for designing accessibility in interfaces?

Answer 47

* Color contrast & readability * Keyboard and voice navigation * Clear layout and navigation ## Footnote These factors enhance usability for individuals with disabilities.

Question 48

What are some heuristics that can be mapped to accessibility standards?

Answer 48

* Interaction methods and modalities * Navigation and wayfinding * Structure and semantics * Error prevention and states * Contrast and legibility * Language and readability * Predictability and consistency * Timing and preservation * Movement and flashing * Visual and auditory alternatives ## Footnote These heuristics help create accessible digital experiences.