HCI Concepts Flashcards
(21 cards)
What are affordances in HCI?
Design elements that suggest how something should be used (e.g., a handle suggests pulling). Tip: Afford = Allow action.
What is visibility in interface design?
Making system functions and status obvious to the user. Tip: “If users can’t see it, they won’t know it exists.”
What is the main goal of usability testing?
To gather feedback early and evaluate a product’s effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction. Tip: Test early, fail cheap.
Difference between heuristic evaluation and usability testing?
Heuristic = experts with rules; Usability = real users. Tip: “Heuristics = Experts”.
What does a cognitive walkthrough involve?
Stepping through user tasks to identify problems from the user’s perspective. Tip: Walk in their shoes.
What does the usability principle of feedback mean?
The system provides clear responses after user actions. Tip: Action → Reaction.
What does “recognition rather than recall” mean?
Design should let users recognize options rather than remember them. Tip: R + R = Easier life.
Best method to find flaws before involving real users?
Heuristic evaluation. Tip: Expert eyes first.
Why is a consistent layout important?
Reduces need for training and supports user learning. Tip: Same place = safe space.
What is contextual inquiry?
Observing users in their natural environment to gather insights. Tip: Context = Real World.
Which heuristic covers “undo” features?
User control and freedom. Tip: Undo = Freedom to fix.
Role of user feedback in iterative design?
Helps improve the design continuously. Tip: Feedback → Improve → Repeat.
What is the goal of usability testing in development?
To evaluate effectiveness and efficiency for real users. Tip: The 2 E’s: Effective & Efficient.
What does mapping refer to in design?
The clear connection between controls and effects. Tip: (e.g., knob positions matching stove layout) “This = That” alignment.
How does usability engineering reduce support costs?
By designing intuitive interfaces that reduce user errors and questions. Tip: Good design = fewer calls.
Why do we conduct usability testing before launch?
To evaluate how the final product works for users. Tip: Final Check = Usability Test.
What does “visibility of system status” mean?
The system keeps users informed about what is happening. Tip: “Where am I? What’s going on?”
Why use representative users in testing?
To catch issues affecting the actual target audience. Tip: Real users = Real feedback.
What data is gathered during usability testing?
Task completion, satisfaction, errors, and time on task. Tip: STT = Satisfaction, Task, Time.
What is the role of affordances in design?
They visually indicate how to use an object (e.g., a button looks pressable). Tip: “Design hints = Action cues.”
When do we collect real-user data to assess design needs?
During usability testing (not requirements gathering). Tip: Testing = “Does this actually work?”
