CS182-1: Investigation 1

Everyday Things

Due: Thursday Jan 18, 1:15pm by email

This is an individual investigation (i.e. everyone should complete their own writeup), but you may discuss it with others.  We will discuss this investigation in class, so you may want to bring your writeup to class on Thrusday.

In Chapter 1 of The Design of Everyday Things Donald Norman discusses several interfaces that are difficult to use and gives concrete reasons why.  Choose two interfaces from the real world that Norman did not mention (they may be computer interfaces, or interfaces in the world), one of which is well designed and one of which is poorly designed according to Norman's principles.  For each interface, write a paragraph that describes how the interface is poorly or well designed. Make sure you refer directly to some of the interface concepts described by Norman (e.g. affordances, mapping, feedback, visibility, conceptual models, etc).


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