1.

a) Explain the differences between an infrequent, expert user of an interactive system and a frequent, novice user of the same interactive system.

[4 marks]

b) You have been asked to develop a user interface to a banking system. This application will enable bank employees to open an account, close an account, deposit and withdraw various sums on behalf of their customers and so on. They will use the system every day of their working lives but have almost no formal education about computer systems.

Which dialogue style would you use for such an interface and why did you choose it?

[6 marks]

c) Describe the changes that you might have to make if the general public were to be able to use the system from (b) to deposit and withdraw various sums in their account, check their balance etc.

[10 marks]

2.

a) You have been asked to design a user interface to a kiosk that will provide visitors with information about many different aspects of Glasgow University. For instance, it will provide details of entry requirements, of timetabling information, of sports fixtures. Briefly describe the reasons why you might choose Java and AWT to prototype the interface to this new system.

[4 marks]

b) Briefly describe the reasons why you might NOT choose Java and AWT to prototype the interface to this new system.

[6 marks]

c) Sketch the opening screen that the user might see for the University of Glasgow's new information kiosk. Describe in detail how you would go about testing a prototype version of this new system.

[10 marks]

3.

a) Briefly explain why designers must be extrememly careful when they introduce a mode into a user interface.

[4 marks]

b) Briefly describe how you might evaluate whether or not modes caused particular problems for the users of an interactive system.

[4 marks]

c) You have been asked to design the user interface to a drawing tool. This will enable the user to draw lines, circles, squares and other primitive shapes. They will also be able to rotate, scale and delete graphical objects in a direct manipulation style. Briefly sketch the interface and describe how your system will warn its users about any changes in mode.

[12 marks]

4.

A principled approach to user interface design is less important than visual appeal for the successful design of commercial web pages. Discuss.

[20 marks]

END

The sample solutions for this exercise will be made available once you have answered the questions.