ISM 210 Introduction to Human-Computer Interaction

HW2: Design Critique II!

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Overview
Now that you have explored Normans principles in
depth, you will critique a user interface design
utilizing these core concepts.

Related Learning Objectives

Learning Objective 1: Students will be able to critique
a software application or device using interaction
principles of interaction design.

Choosing your product

To complete this assignment, you will need to choose
two digital user interfaces: one that you find to be
well designed and one that you find to be poorly
designed. Software applications, mobile apps, video
games, or websites are acceptable choices.

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Grading
This assignment is worth 100 points. A critique that
reasonably responds to all of the instructions will
generally receive 83 to 89 points. A critique that
consists of thoughtful and well-edited answers will
merit 90-93 points, and, for some outstanding
critique, 95-100 points.

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An outstanding critique will:

Present the product

Document your selected products with screenshots
to provide the reader with enough detail to
understand your critique. Optionally, you can include
a video.

Analyze and Critique

Write a narrative essay that presents your selected
products and why they are well or poorly designed.
Make reference to at least four of the design
concepts discussed by Norman in The Design of
Everyday Things (e.g., visibility, aordances,
signifiers, conceptual models, mapping, feedback,
constraints, knowledge in the head/knowledge in the
world). When referencing the concepts, briefly define
the concept first. Your written piece should convey
that you understand what the concept means and
how Normans principles are applied (or not) in
user interfaces.

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Reflect a deep understanding of the principles.

Provide interesting and insightful analysis.

Follow the assignment directions correctly and

completely

Provide a a clear and detailed description of

the products and the tasks.

Use formatting and illustrations to present

ideas clearly.

Be well organized and edited, and have a

professional, neat presentation.

Attend to visual appeal and organization. (For

example, use fonts and spacing consistently,
use headings to organize the text)

Reflect an appropriate and professional tone.

(Dont use language that is too casual.)

Be submitted on time.

Grading Scale
A
A-
B+
B
B-

93.00% Excellent/Outstanding eort

90.00% Very Good

88.00%

83.00% Good

80.00%

C+
C
C-
D+
D
F

78.00%

73.00% Satisfactory

70.00%

68.00%

60.00%

0.00%