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Week 1 - Introduction

In order to set the scene for the module and to clarify expectations, the first session consists of a number of individual, group and whole class activities.

Learning outcomes - week 1

In semester 2, the module started off with The Enterprise Game. Students were asked to get into groups of 5. One would be the banker and the other 4 players. No instructions were given, other than the fact that the banker was in charge and would explain the rules of the game.

Most students rose to the challenge and said they could see the relevance to the module. Without any prior knowledge of the interface it was possible to make one's own decisions, rightly or wrongly. After the game, the class discussed their perceptions of good (and poor) interface design. This was a lively session, with many differences of opinion.

The Enterprise Game The Enterprise Game Action shot - The Enterprise Game Another Enterprise Game action shot

Question posted on Blackboard during week 1: Do humans think logically?

Sample student responses:

  • The issue of humans thinking logically is debatable because humans tend to think or reason by experience, or inductively and logically in most cases. Hill (1995) claims that our actions and reasoning or thinking is not as logical as we think. Humans tend to think based on their own experience of the world around them. Hill uses the example of Rover cars. For example we could logically think that Rover cars were made in Japan, and by a German car manufacturer. However most motorists would claim that Rovers were British cars.

Humans also think inductively, such as hitting the computer or printer to make it behave and this apparently works, although this is incorrect if thought about logically. We are likely to apply the same inductive thinking in similar circumstances if it worked before. Humans think logically when for example, setting out how a system should be within a business such is in modelling techniques like data flow diagramming. In another case, writing instructions for users on how to use a package in a step-by-step manner is logical thinking. Logical thinking is however abandoned when there is a conflict of human experience and logical deduction. For example motorists saying that Rover cars are British when logically they are German.

In conclusion humans think in different ways. Humans do think logically in some cases, by experience and inductively in other cases. Hill, S. (1995), 'Issues In Human Computer Interaction', in A Practical Guide To The Human Computer Interface, DP Publications Ltd, London, p. 20.

  • In my own view, I can say that humans don't think logically. For example, during shopping, people move up and down from one aisle to the other. If they thought logically, they would do it in a logical order not changing their mind as they go.
  • No way and this will be important for designing a human interface. For example, what may appear common sense to us may actually not appear to be obvious to everyone. This is why we need user testing.
  • In my experience; absolutely not!! Humans are the most illogical and random things I have ever come across - this is what happens when you give living organisms free thinking minds.
  • I think logically we all choose our own path one way or another. However, that logical thought at that particular time may differ in ten years, other things happen. Then as stated above our thoughts become random, illogical from previous paths we have taken.

These online discussions led to a face to face discussion about interface design in general, and navigation in particular. Students cited interfaces they had come across which defied logic and led to user disengagement.

Week 1 Activities
  1. Enterprise game:
    • Interaction with game, interaction between students
    • What were your feelings /thoughts /observations?

  1. Interface perception:
    • Don't touch! What do you see?
    • What are the rules? Are they clear? What clues are available?
    • Click on the navigation. Are the rules clear? Did they work as expected?

  1. Memory:
    • What do we use to aid memory? What strategies can we use? Memory test - 10 seconds
  1. MS Word:
    • What techniques are used to aid memory? What prior knowledge is used? What is completely new?
  1. Life:
    • Doors - on campus. Are they easy to navigate?
    • Lifts - on campus. There are two, what is the difference?
    • Vending machines - any problems, differences, difficulties?
    • Car park payments - any problems, differences, difficulties?
    • Trains - doors, toilets, buttons, icons
    • Chip and Pin v ATM - logical
    • Other interfaces - sat nav, mp3 ...
  1. Activity on week 1 folder of Blackboard:

Question: What have been the five most frustrating experiences you have personally had using technology?

Activity: Keep a log in your "reflective diary" for three days in the next week. Make entries for frustrating experiences you had had:

  • With computers
  • With other technologies
  • With traditional items, such as paper

At the end of the time period review your logs:

  • What could you do to alleviate your frustration?
  • What changes might you make to your activities in the light of your reflections?
  • What else might you consider?
  1. Week 1 questions / discussions in Discussion folder, Blackboard
  • Why do designers need to take into account the context in which the system is being used?
  • From your observations give examples of real life examples which use interfaces. Would you rate them as user friendly?
  • From your observations give examples of inconsistencies you have found in software / websites / interfaces ... (remember to cite your sources).
  • Why is interface design important to you? Also comment on why you consider developers should be bothered with HCI and interface design issues.