MACS 498/598
Open-book Exam


Questions from the text: The questions below are listed by chapter.  You should answer 20 questions from at least 12 chapters.  Questions listed on one line (such as What is an "ejector seat?" Provide an example) are considered one question.  Separate questions will be separated by a blank line.  When a question asks you to "describe" something, that implies at least a sentence or two of description, not just a bullet point.

NOTE: Use of my online notes is OK, but at least put the answer in your own words!

ch1
What's the difference between a goal and a task?  Within the context of your project for this class, name one goal and one task.

ch3
Name one useful feature that can be included in software for: a) beginners, b) intermediates and c) experts.

ch7
List/describe four kinds of work that should be minimized in an interface?

List/describe the three levels of detail for which the text identifies user interface principles.

Explain what interaction design patterns are and how they can be applied hierarchically.

ch8
Describe at least three ways in which the interface should be different for sovereign vs. transient applications.

ch9
Name/describe two factors that enhance flow.

What is an "ejector seat"?  Provide an example.

ch10
What is excise?  Provide an example.

ch11
Describe two techniques that can be used to improve navigation?

ch12
Explain two different variants of undo.


ch13
Describe one alternative/enhancement to the current design of Save/Save As.

ch14
What does it mean for software to be considerate?  Give two examples that might be considered either considerate or inconsiderate.

ch15
What is task coherence?  Give one example how we can make use of this concept in a user interface.

ch16
What's one problem with the desktop metaphor as it relates to file retrieval?  Describe how  programs could better support users when they need to locate files.

ch17
Name two techniques that could be used to improve data entry (from the user's point of view)

ch18
What is a command vector?  What is a working set?  What are memorization vectors?

ch19
Describe four principles related to the visual design of user interfaces. Your answer should include guidelines related to at least two different aspects of the interface (e.g., color, typography, composition, visual display of information, use of standards, etc.)

ch20
Describe (briefly) the three dominant paradigms in user interface design.

Explain two limitations of metaphors.

What is a manual affordance?

ch21
Describe the three elements of direct manipulation?

What are pliant objects?  What are some ways to communicate pliancy?

ch22
Describe two different types of selection.  What are some ways to communicate the selection to the user?

ch23
Drag-and-drop can be implemented within a single program or between programs (exterior capable). What is required for an object to be exerior capable?

What are some ways to communicate drag-and-drop status to the user?

ch24
What's the difference between a modal and a charged cursor?

What are some visual cues used with 3D object manipulation?

ch25
What is a mode?  Why should they generally be avoided?

Describe two guidelines related to the use of windows in your program.

ch26
What is earmarking and what problem does it solve?

Describe two important considerations for text edit controls.

What are flip-flop buttons and why should they generally be avoided?

ch27
Why are menus considered a pedagogic tool?

What are breadcrumbs?

ch28
Describe two guidelines related to the standard Windows menus.

Describe one problematic menu idiom, include an example.

What functions should be given accelerators?

ch29
Explain why the authors think ToolTips are a much better option than balloon help (i.e., what features make ToolTips very useful, as opposed to the way balloon help worked).

ch30-31
Describe three interface principles/guidelines related to dialog boxes.

ch32
Explain one new or improved type of control proposed by the authors.

ch33
Describe three characteristics of a well-formed error message box.

Is beeping a good signal of an error?  What are some alternatives?

ch34
What is rich visual modeless feedback (RVMF)?  Give an example.

What suggestions do the authors make about audio feedback?

Describe two guidelines for confirmation boxes.

ch35
Describe two of the guidelines related to the About box and two related to the splash screen.

Provide a critique of Wizards: what's helpful, what could be improved.

ch36
From a user interface perspective, why should careful attention be given to the installation process?

Describe three common design errors related to the installation process.

ch37
Describe three common myths about Web design.

What technologies are used for browser-based vs. non-browser-based internet applications?

Describe two web design tips.

ch38
Describe two basic principles when designing for embedded systems.

Describe two tips for handhelds and two tips for kiosk applications.