Chapter 3

Question 1

What is an interphase metaphor?

Answer 1

It is a central component of a conceptual model that is instantiated as part of the user interface.

Question 2

List some examples of interphase metaphors.

Answer 2

Surfing the web.
The desktop metaphor.
An icon of a shopping cart into which the user places
items.

Question 3

List the benefits of interphase metaphors. MHIM

Answer 3

Makes learning new systems easier.
Helps users understand the underlying conceptual model.
Innovative
Make technology more inclusive.

Question 4

List the problems of interphase metaphors. BLC

Answer 4

Conflicts with design principles.
Limits designers’ imagination.
Breaks conventional and cultural rules.

Question 5

List the 5 interaction types.

Answer 5

Instructing
Conversing
Manipulating
Exploring
Responding

Question 6

Briefly explain what instructing entails.

Answer 6

Where users instruct a system and tell it what to do.

Benefit: Quick and efficient interaction.

Question 7

Briefly explain what conversing entails.

Answer 7

Having a conversation with another human or system.

Benefit: Enhanced user experience and accessibility.

Question 8

Briefly explain what manipulating entails.

Answer 8

Involves dragging, selecting, opening, closing and zooming
actions on virtual objects.

Benefit: Easy to learn

Question 9

Briefly explain what exploring entails.

Answer 9

Involves moving through virtual or physical environments

Benefit: Users can explore aspects of a virtual 3D environment

Question 10

Briefly explain what responding entails.

Answer 10

When the system takes the initiative to alert the user to something that it “thinks” is interesting.

Benefit: Automatic system response without any requests made by the user.

Question 11

List the core components of the conceptual model.

Answer 11

Metaphors and analogies
Relationship between these concepts
Mappings between these concepts and the UX experience invoked.