(In partnership with the University of Strathclyde)
School of Science and Technology BSc Applied ComputingYear 3
BE320048/VS235
Session 2006/2007
(2 hours)
Instructions to Candidates:
Attempt THREE questions. Calculators must not be used to store text and/or formulae nor be capable of communication. Invigilators may require calculators to be reset. Materials to be supplied by College: Examination Booklet.Q1 (a) Describe the goals of HCI.
(b) Explain how the use of colour in computer
screen displays can affect user efficiency.
(c) Compare the constructivist
and ecological theories of perception and give examples of how each
has influenced interface design.
(d) Discuss the meaningfulness to users of commands in the Unix/Linux operating system.
(4 marks)(6 marks)
(4 marks)
(6 marks)
)
Q2 (a) A public transport authority is planning to introduce a new computer system which will allow passengers to obtain information and buy tickets from special machines in bus and railway stations.Justify the selection AND rejection of common types of input and output devices for the system.
Explain the types of user support which might be required for the system.
(b) Describe what is meant
by the terms 00ulf of execution00and 00ulf of evaluation00 and
explain the ways in which these gulfs can be narrowed.
(c) Explain the way in
which schemata and scripts can guide the behaviour of a user who is
experienced with a particular operating system, when interacting with
a new and unfamiliar operating system interface.
(8 marks)
(2 marks)
(6 marks)
(4 marks)
PLEASE TURN OVER
Q3 (a) Create a hierarchical task analysis for the scenario of sending an email message, containing an attachment, to a group of contacts in the address book of an email program.
(b) Describe the way in which a computer
system to be used by staff and members in a library could be developed
using a DSDM approach.
(c) A local government education board is considering the use of an IT system in its schools. Give a root definition for this system using the CATWOE elements.
(7 marks)
(6 marks)
(7 marks)
Q4 Discuss the differences between web and GUI interfaces.
(b) Discuss the different types of organisation and associated navigation structures used in web site information architecture.
(10 marks)
(10 marks)
Q5 A small company with limited resources wishes to evaluate the usability of their web site. Discuss the approaches which could be taken in evaluating their site.
(b) Describe the way in which paper prototypes could be used in the design of a dialogue box for finding and replacing text in a word processor application.
(c) Compare the characteristics
of the following computer-based simulation techniques:
Horizontal prototyping
Vertical prototyping
Scenarios
(10 marks)
(6 marks)
(4 marks)
END OF PAPER
Examiner: David Rodgers
BSc Applied Computing Year 3
Human Computer Interaction (BE320048/VS235)
May 2007
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BE320048/VS235
