Human-Computer Interaction - Coursework Example

?Human Computer Interaction Part 3a BUTTON DESIGN Touch Buttons in a user interface are like a gateway to enter a whole new dimension or for that matter, a different content. It is probably the most used element in an interface. I learned that a button should have an enticing design that it speaks for itself and that a user will be able to determine automatically that it can be interacted. Moreover, I found out that there are various elements in doing the button design; these are textures or typography, patterns, 3-D, pixel-perfect strokes, indented backgrounds, glows and highlights. When all these elements are taken into great consideration, the effectiveness and design of each buttons will enhance the user interaction with the interface, thus creating a smooth and easy-to-use layout. Reference: Chapman, Callum. "Common Elements Used in Interface Button Design." Web Designer Dept. (2011): 4. Web. 20 Dec. 2011. . TYPOGRAPHY The fonts and typefaces are important elements of the user interface. It should be in proportionate with the design or else it will just look like a clutter. I learned that it should draw attention to the content taking in consideration its size, lines and shade. The overall appearance of the font is in conjunction with its readability which is highly essential for the end-user. Moreover, the amount of text in a given space should be kept to a minimum. The relationship of the font color and background is equally vital in achieving high contrast content which further adds to the readability degree of the content. Lastly, I also learned that appropriate spacing and the presence of empty fields are techniques to achieve visual relief, in this way; the viewer will not be distracted from the focal contents. Reference: Genkin, Namie . "Importance of Great Web Typography."Onextrapixel. (2010): 1-4. Web. 20 Dec. 2011. . Color combination is a crucial element that facilitates easiness in visual perception. I learned that colors are not just different with hue but also with their luminance. A proper unification among text and background color that achieves a high-contrast ratio is a way to significantly increase the readability and consequently enhance the aesthetic value of the interface. I also learned that combinations with positive polarity such as the use of dark text on a light background are notably effective. This is particularly important when dealing with visually-impaired users. Reference: Hall, R. and Hanna, P. (2004), The Impact of Web Page Text-Background Color Combinations on Readability, Retention, Aesthetics, and Behavioral Intention, Behaviour & Information Technology, forthcoming VIRTUAL KEYBOARD DESIGN Inputting is the concomitant interaction the user performs. It should be simple despite the complexities of the keyboard’s overall features. In the case of virtual keyboards, wherein industrial design is left out in place of a touch interface, the tactile response time should be fast enough to let the user focus on inputting end and not worrying whether the characters has already been displayed. It is fairly important that the on-screen keyboard should be able to interact with the fingers and not merely by using the stylus. It is a fact that the best pointing tool is our finger; the keyboard’s design should be able to accommodate the multitasking capability of a human hand. The spacing of each character should be accurately be considered to avoid erroneous inputting. Reference: Xiaojun, Bi, Barton Smith, and Zhai Shumin. "Multilingual Touchscreen Keyboard Design and Optimization."DGP. (2010): 1-34. Web. 20 Dec. 2011. . I learned that in an on-screen keyboard, screen clarity and size are important elements. The spacing between characters avoids unintended inputs. In line with this, the user should be able to perceive that the keys are adequately sized and configured for accurate interaction. The use of a QWERTY keyboard is more functional than a multi-tap configuration wherein the characters are shared on single keys. It is equally important to have a clear presentation on how to switch between letters, numeric, or symbol inputs, this would facilitate continuous inputting. Reference: Haywood, Anna, and Rajinder Reynolds. "Usability Guidelines." uxalliance. (2008): 1-3. Web. 20 Dec. 2011. . ELEMENT & WHITE SPACING Spacing of elements should be highly regarded as this may facilitate aestheticism and flow. A cluttered interface will hinder the user’s focus from the vital parts of the interface. Excellent spacing will help the visual perception not to be overwhelmed. The Principle of proximity should be utilized to allow users to differentiate contents. Moreover, I learned that the usage of white spaces or negative spaces is helpful in aiding the users to differentiate. Reference: Hagan, Janna. "Why Spacing is Crucial in Web Design."Janna Hagan. (2011): 1-6. Web. 20 Dec. 2011. . Prototype Designs Task Error Mode System Consequences Error recovery Implications Touch the screen to start. Users did not click the button to begin. Users did not get into the main menu. Users have to touch the buttons. Make the buttons large to be immensely visible Carry out the text search. User inputs wrong search data. System will not be able to provide the data. Users need to re-input the data correctly. The system will allow the user to repeat the inputting process. Virtual Keyboard Inputting Some users’ specifically pediatric clients are not yet familiar with upper case letters. Finding the corresponding letter takes time. Lower case inputs should be included. Make the keyboard suitable for all. Virtual Keyboard Inputting User cannot see the letter very clearly. User will find it difficult to get the letter. Enlarge the size of the tab letters. Press the correct letters. Virtual Keyboard Inputting User presses the wrong button. User will revert to the home page. A touch button linked to the home page should be provided. System will let the user to consider the option to be redirected on the home page. Navigating through the categories The user failed to choose from the given categories. The user is consequently redirected to the wrong page. User should press the right touch button. System must be built with clear, precise fonts and background touch buttons. Registration The user skipped a data. The registration process will not be completed. The user should be informed that all data should be filled-up, Provide adequate message informing the user regarding the importance of giving the complete data to end the registration process. Searching The user inputted an erroneous search keyword. User will not be redirected to the desired content but rather to an error page. Examples of keywords that can be searched should be provided. Search keywords should be narrowed to workable number or to increase the program’s database to accommodate additional information. USER-TESTING A consumer program should be user-friendly. This is usually done through beta-testing wherein the software is launched for trial testing. In lieu of this, potential errors are monitored for modifications and improvements. Just like in an architectural design that made into reality, a soft opening is performed to ensure the suitability and ability to accommodate a number of visitors. In a program, the software is released to ensure the stability and accuracy of the system to perform its descriptive task. As for my interface, it is designed as a supplemental program to aid museum visitors. The program will supplement the exploration through technological-guided learning. Methodology Three variables were considered to conduct the user-testing, namely: age, visual and tactile disability and computer literacy. A cross examination of the three elements will yield significant data on the program’s effectiveness and simplicity to operate. The questionnaire is in multiple-response format with recommendation box for justification. Ten users took part on the user-testing phase After collating the data acquired, interpretation and analysis is done to aid in future design and functional enhancements. System Questionnaire 1. How old are you? a. 10-20 b. 21-30 c. 31-40 d. 40 and above. 2. Are you currently experiencing visual or tactile impairment? a. Yes (Provide further details______________________________________) b. None. 3. How is the general condition of the program? a. Simple to use b. Confusing to use c. Difficult to interact d. Very Difficult to interact 4. During the first time you input your personal information using the touch keyboard, did you? a. Inputted the data correctly b. Committed an error and repeated it again 5. Is there a significant amount of instructional directions given? a. Yes b. None 6. When interacting with the on-screen keyboard, did you? a. Press the correct button every time. b. Press the incorrect button once or more. 7. How is the spacing of the characters in the touch keyboard? a. Buttons were adequately spaced. b. Buttons are too closed with each other. 8. How did you find the registration option included? a. Easy to accomplish b. Confusing to accomplish 9. Is the content easy to read? a. Yes b. No 10. Is the embedded map features helpful in navigating through the museum? a. Yes b. No. RESULTS Question Number Response 1 a. 4, b. 3, c. 3, d. 0 2 a. 0, b. 10 3 a. 6, b. 4, c. 0, d. 0 4 a. 6, b. 4 5 a. 5, b. 5 6 a. 6, b. 5 7 a. 6, b. 4 8 a. 6, b. 4 9 a. 7, b. 3 10 a. 4, b. 6 ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION I included a pie chart to represent the general condition or usability of the program. Sixty percent of the respondents found the interface to be easy to use while the remaining forty percent found it to be confusing to use. Forty percent of the users are in the age group of 10-20 which indicates that majority of the visitors are younger people. However, the remaining age groups may account as their primary guardian that accompanies them. RECOMMENDATIONS Enhance the typography of the interface Provide proper spacing of elements Include additional instructional messages. Provide auditory feedback for the visually-impaired users. CONCLUSION Numerous elements were not considered during the construction of the interface that shed light through the implementation of the user-testing. A lot of suggestions are recommended to further increase the usability of the interface for ease and simplicity of interaction. As a conclusion, design modifications should be conducted in the areas of typography and element spacing. These elements are essential in increasing the readability degree of the program which is vital in maintaining continuous and uninterrupted interaction. If necessary adjustments were carried out, the interface will be highly usable and consistent with its function. Moreover, considering the importance of aesthetic typography, foreground and background integration, the interface will exude an architectural feat in program development that is not just beneficial to the designer but also to the people in general. Read More