CMP 442
CMP 442
Answer: HCI is the study and design of how humans interact with computers. It ensures that
technology is accessible, efficient, and user-friendly, improving productivity and satisfaction..
Answer: Principles include consistency, feedback, visibility, error prevention and recovery,
simplicity, and user control.
Answer: Usability refers to how effectively and efficiently a user can achieve goals, while user
experience (UX) encompasses all aspects of interaction, including emotional response and
satisfaction.
Answer: User-centered design involves users throughout the design process, ensuring the final
product meets their needs and expectations, resulting in better usability and acceptance..
Answer: Feedback informs users about the result of their actions (e.g., a loading spinner or a
confirmation message), helping them understand system responses and build confidence.
Answer: Command-line interfaces (CLI) require text-based commands and are more efficient for
experts, while graphical user interfaces (GUI) use visual elements and are more intuitive for
general users.
Answer: Accessibility ensures that interfaces can be used by people with disabilities (e.g., screen
readers for the visually impaired), promoting inclusivity and legal compliance.
Answer: Fitts’s Law predicts the time required to move to a target area, such as a button. It
helps designers place interactive elements efficiently for quicker user interaction.
Answer: Cognitive models describe how users process information, make decisions, and interact
with systems. Examples include GOMS and the Model Human Processor.
Answer: Prototypes allow designers to test interface concepts early, gather user feedback, and
make adjustments before full-scale development, saving time and cost.
Answer: Cultural differences impact language, color interpretation, icons, and navigation styles.
Designers must consider cultural context to ensure global usability.
Answer: Consistency in layout, icons, and behavior helps users learn and predict system
behavior, reducing the learning curve and cognitive load.
Answer: Types include graphical user interfaces (GUIs), voice user interfaces (VUIs), touch
interfaces, gesture-based interfaces, and brain-computer interfaces.
Answer: Input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, microphone) enable users to
communicate with the system, influencing the ease and speed of interaction.