Human Computer Interaction (AL-804 (D)) - Important Questions

Describe User-Centered System Design (UCSD) and discuss its core principles, stages in the design lifecycle, and the benefits of adopting a user-centered approach. Explain common methods to involve users throughout the design process.

Explain the core concepts of user-centered system design. Define and discuss concepts such as understanding user requirements, iterative design, prototyping, and formative and summative evaluation with relevant examples.

What is heuristic evaluation? Describe the process for conducting a heuristic evaluation, list common usability heuristics (for example, Nielsen's heuristics), and discuss the advantages and limitations of this method.

Describe the different types of user models used in HCI (for example, stereotype models, cognitive models, knowledge-based models, and predictive models). For each type, explain its representation, typical use-cases, and limitations.

Explain methods for user model evaluation. Compare quantitative and qualitative evaluation techniques and discuss metrics and criteria commonly used to assess a user model's accuracy and usefulness.

Discuss interactive design and its strengths and weaknesses. Give examples of contexts where interactive design provides clear benefits and situations where it may be inadequate or problematic.

Explain the Keystroke-Level Model (KLM) and compute the task time for a given sequence of operators. For example, compute the time for the sequence $K\;K\;P\;M\;R\;K$, where $K$ = keystroke operator, $P$ = pointing operator, $M$ = mental operator, and $R$ = system response, using standard operator times.

Compare heuristic evaluation, cognitive walkthrough, and usability testing. Highlight the primary goals, the process followed in each method, the roles of evaluators and users, and typical outcomes and limitations.

Explain mental models and metaphors in HCI. Illustrate their role in interface design with examples (such as the desktop metaphor) and discuss implications for learnability and user expectations.

Describe Natural Computing in the context of HCI. Explain how biologically inspired algorithms or natural interaction paradigms can be applied to interaction design, giving examples and discussing potential advantages and limitations.