| Updated for clarifications discussed
in class
Purpose
To familiarize you with the concept of a mental model and implications
for design in a hands-on way. You'll gain experience in eliciting
peoples' mental models of a device and in thinking about the implications
for interface design of the device (possible improvements to the
system image in order to have a better match between the user's
mental model and the designer's model). This is also your first
major opportunity to work on writing skills. Activity
Do the assignment in the Preece textbook page 103. Write up
a summary following the organization of Preece's parts (b),
(c), and (d), except that you will do (d)
before (c). This is because it makes more sense to (b) identify
users' mental models; (d) identify and compare to a more "ideal"
mental model; and (c) make recommendations for the system image
based on the difference between the two. Within each part
you are free to organize your discussion as you wish. The raw
data (responses to questions in Preece's (a)) should
not be presented
in the body of your report -- this is better left in an appendix
(separately linked page). Please preserve the anonymity of your "subjects" when
reporting this data.
Your discussion should demonstrate your insight
into the relationship between mental models and HCI design through
thoughtful answers to the questions. As always, it should also be coherent,
well organized, and as free of errors of spelling and grammar as
you can make it.
Note that the Manoa Writing Program offers free tutoring on writing
skills. See http://www.mwp.hawaii.edu/writer_help.htm for details. Turn In As usual, your results and analysis will be presented in a web
page. Please test your page on multiple browsers and (if possible)
platforms, especially if you use graphics or complex formatting.
How many pages are required? As many as you think are needed
to make your points effectively without overwhelming or boring
your
reader! I suggest a range of 2-6 pages. (Very concise efficient
writing can make the necessary points in 2 pages. I do not want
to read more than 6x16 pages.) Page counts
are based on single spaced text.
Then submit the URL of your web page to disCourse in the usual
manner as a new thread in the Assignment 2 discussion.
This is due February 7th, to give you two weeks. I suggest that before class next week (Jan. 31st) you have already done part (a) and started on the writing, in case you have any questions to discuss in class.
Follow-up
As for Assignment 1, you are required to comment on the work of
the person who handed in his or her assignment immediately before
you. (First person can return later to comment on anyone's work.) Also, you are
encouraged to comment on others' work or to follow up on any spontaneous
discussions that arise, as this increases your participation points
and helps everyone learn.
I will comment on the writing (emailing you individually). You
may then revise the writing if you wish.
Pau |