SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY

HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION

ASSIGNMENT 2

Marro Steve 21/08795

1. The appearance of the product, the quality of technology used and the usability of the product
is key in implementation of human computer interactive devices. In relation to HCI, Explain
what is meant by “user-centered design” citing relevant examples where possible.

User-centered design a collection of processes that focus on putting

users at the center of product design and development.

User-centered design is an iterative design process framework that in-

corporates validation from the user every step of the way. This close-

ness and frequent interaction helps you deeply understand your user,
what they want and don’t want from your design, and how they’re ulti -

mately going to interact with each part of your product.

2. By discovering what users know about systems and how they reason about how the systems
function, it may be possible to predict learning time, likely errors and the relative ease with
which users can perform their tasks. We can also design interfaces which support the acquisi-
tion of appropriate user mental models. Gestalt’s principles of interface design emphasize
 that the way items are grouped determines how users understand them. Discuss the various
Gestalt principles:

Gestalt Principles are principles/laws of human perception that describe

how humans group similar elements, recognize patterns and simplify com-
plex images when we perceive objects. Designers use the principles to or-
ganize content on websites and other interfaces so it is aesthetically pleas-
ing and easy to understand.
Some of Gestalt Principles include,

1. Proximity
The principle of proximity states that we tend to perceive elements as a group
when they are close to each other
2. Similarity
The principle of similarity states that when things appear to be similar to each
other, we group them together. And we also tend to think they have the same
function
3. Continuity
Ever notice how your eyes like to travel along lines, following and flowing with
them? Our mind has a tendency to follow paths and group elements that are
aligned with each other. This is the principle of continuity.
4. Closure
The principle of closure states that when we look at a complex arrangement of
visual elements, we tend to look for a single, recognizable pattern.
5. Connectedness
Out of all five Gestalt Principles, connectedness is arguably the easiest to
grasp. Connectedness states that we tend to group elements when they are
connected to each other. That’s it!
Total 5 Marks