Human Computer Interaction - Usability and Evaluation Essay

Human Computer Interaction - Usability and Evaluation - Essay Example Hartson, Andre, and Williges (2003, p.145) note that usability, also referred to as human factors, or human-computer interface design or user-centered design, has become a major field of interest in both industry and academia. This is attributed to the roles computer play in the daily lives of individuals. That is, the more we need to interact with computers, the more we tend to demand well-designed software interfaces. Software developers play a crucial role in answering such demands. Designing better interfaces have quite a number of commercial merits as having been demonstrated by big companies such as Apple, IBM, Eastman Kodak, SAAB, Rank Xerox and Microsoft just to name but a few. The advantages of well-designed software include increased productivity, reduced human error, as well as making the software use enjoyable (Matera, Rizzo, and Carughi 2006, p143). Nonetheless, usability is sometimes ignored not because it is considered worthless, rather because it is considered very ex pensive, which is a misconception, according to experts. Software developers also sometimes ignore usability, which does not justify the cost of usability testing and evaluation. Ignoring usability in interface design has greater cost attachments, as having been demonstrated in past fatal accidents that has resulted due to the failures of interface to show vital information. One such accident occurred in 1987 when an American airline crashed during takeoff at Detroit killing 156 passengers on board (Matera, Rizzo, and Carughi 2006, p143). The accident, according to investigations, was caused pilot’s failure to recognize the wrong positions of flaps during the aircraft’s takeoff. A skilled interface designer would have proper knowledge of organize an interface in such a manner that vital information cannot be missed. This paper will explore the principles of usability and the methods used to evaluate software interfaces. Finally, the paper will evaluate an Amazon.com we bsite in line with the usability principles. Usability design principles Adebesin (2011) argues that the interactive systems ought to be designed in a manner that supports the user to achieve his or her objectives. To do this, the design team need multi-disciplinary, with practitioners possessing ergonomics, cognitive science, and computer skills among others. This ensures that the team understands physical capabilities, human problem solving, their working environment, and the entire interaction context. A number of design guidelines are used in the software interface development. The design guidelines range from general to application-specific rules. Hartson, Andre, and Williges (2003, p.146) classify the design rules according to their level of authority and generality. According to Hartson, Andre, and Williges, the authority of design rule spells out whether or not the rules are to be followed or not. The level of generality, on the other hand, directs developers in ascertaining whether a particular guideline can be widely applied in different design situations. There are three basic principles of usability identified by Matera, Rizzo, and Carughi (2006, p.145). The first principle of usability design principle, according to Matera, Rizzo, and Carughi (2006, p145), is the principle of unity. The principle of unity in interface design is crucial since ensures congruency in the use of the interface. The unity principle also allows software interfac

Classroom-based Learning Experience Research Paper

Classroom-based Learning Experience - Research Paper Example e worst classroom-based learning experience has been in the form of my ability to differentiate between what I should have grabbed over a period of time, and what I was unable to do so within this time frame. I believe that when I lost out on the adoption of the technological basis, my classroom-based learning experience deteriorated immensely, which was something that I feel unhappy about (Michael, 2012). I detest the moments when I was unable to showcase my true abilities and skills, which were indeed some of the more strong points that I achieved ever since I took on the Internet technological basis within my folds. The things that made it a good experience included the hard work and conviction as well as the belief of our teachers in the students’ abilities. The things that made it a bad experience comprised my lack of intent to make sure that this process continued for a long period of time as well as my shortcomings in the wake of upgrading myself

My own goal of the life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

My own goal of the life - Essay Example I choose swimming because I would like to get better at it and I generally enjoy it, I have informed my roommate of this plan and asked her to act as ‘sponsor’ throughout the eight weeks as she actively participates in sports. Achieving physical fitness will be measured when I participate in a charitable marathon that is three weeks away. Improvement of my swimming skills will be measured by my speed in completing laps as I go along; and in six weeks I plan on participating in a swimming competition here at school. Behavioral wise, I hope to develop discipline since in order to achieve this I must remain consistent and committed till the eight weeks are over. I have bought a sport watch that will help me monitor my heart rate as I jog and swim, this will provide a reflection of any improvements in terms of physical fitness. In the past, I have been unable to regularly work out as I am lazy and find it difficult to wake up early enough. In addition, I find myself eating a lot of junk food in between classes as a way of passing time. With this new plan, I hope to utilize my free time in between classes or over the weekends to improve my swimming and tone my body through non-cardiovascular exercises at the gym. Moreover, I have sought support from my roommate who promises to ‘push’ me when I get lazy, My roommate has also agreed to record frequency of my retarding tendencies that keep me aware of what is holding me back. Such tendencies include eating junk food and sleeping late to watch movies that prevent me from waking up early enough to take a jog before classes or group discussions commence. It has been four weeks since I started this life change plan; I have been able to go for the jog for twenty of the thirty days, and swimming for six. The four days I failed to undertake any of the exercises happened because I went for a friend’s

MIS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

MIS - Essay Example In United States there are more than 500 academic institutions who currently utilize this program. Players generally use Markstrat for making appropriate decisions related to areas of finance, research and development, and marketing. Markstrat helps to analyze market related data and then delivers required results. MIS or Marketing Information System is a strategic approach which is utilized to analyze current market scenario and predict outcomes. This approach can be stated as a management tool that is used not only by students but also by corporate. All market related data is greatly utilized for framing marketing strategies and gaining competitive advantage. MIS is a tool for executing marketing decision making. It supports marketing manager by making tasks simpler and easier. Market related data are of various types but this approach helps to gather this data efficiently. In overall context, analysis of such data facilitates formulation of best possible strategy (Piercy, 2009). There are four interfaces which are highlighted by marketing information system. These interfaces are application software, user interface, system support and database marketing. It can be stated that marketing information system serves as an integration tool. For any strategic decision making it is important to int egrate all forms of collected data. Real world information is integrated with real time application through marketing information system. MIS is responsible for integrating marketing monitoring mechanisms with strategic development. The basic components of MIS can be classified into four categories such as internal records, marketing intelligence, marketing research and marketing decision support system. Internal records means providing internal information about a firm. Marketing intelligence is related to collecting all forms of information mainly from external sources. On the other hand, marketing research

Social Factors Missing In the Development of Will Hunting and His Essay

Social Factors Missing In the Development of Will Hunting and His Crisis of Identity - Essay Example This paper is aimed at identifying the social factors that are missing in the development of Will Hunting (Matt Damon), the primary character in the movie, and his crisis of identity. Storyline The movie revolves around Will Hunting who works as a janitor in the prestigious MIT. Will is a mathematical genius but trapped in a mind that is not aware of his capabilities and haunted by his past. He spends his life like any other guy in the neighbourhood working on an average construction job and picking up fights along with his neighbourhood friends. . He has numerous encounters with the law as other guys in the neighbourhood. He has an identity crisis and tries hard to adjust with crushing his genius and trying to mould his life with that of the society around him. The various social factors in his past have contributed to Will’s arrogant attitude. His genius is identified by a MIT professor who decides to polish and expose Will’s incredible genius to the world. In order t o do so, he bails him out of the police station on a condition that Will work at his talent and see a psychologist. The movie continues with how Will with the help of psychologist Sean Maguire (Robin Williams) overcomes his personal childhood experiences and discovers his true potential and genius. Social Factors There are various social factors that are missing in Will’s life which affect his development and leads to his identity crisis. Family Will growing up was an orphan and lived with his foster parents. The absence of his own family made an impact on Will and also family dynamics in the foster family was not an ideal one. Very soon he was left without a family. This experience contributed towards Will developing a negative attitude towards love and care. He believed that nobody would care or truly love him. He feared rejection and as a result of this he never had a consistent serious relationship as he used to get out of one before it could turn into a serious relations hip. Will also tried to fill in the void, created due to the absence of a family, with his friends. But most of his friends did not recognise or understand him except for his best friend Chuckie (Ben Affleck). Will blamed himself for all miss happenings in his life and was trying to accept his mediocre life. But even after trying hard, he could not accept his true identity and would make up an identity. This is best portrayed in the movie when he lies to Skylar (Minnie Driver) about his family saying he has big family with 12 brothers. The following conversation in the movie between Will and Skylar is where Will lies to overcome his identity crisis: Skylar: Do you have lots of brothers and sisters? Will: I'm Irish Catholic, what do you think? Skylar: But how many? Will: You wouldn't believe me if I told you. Skylar: Why? Go on, what, 5? 7? 8? How many? Will: I have 12 big brothers (Damon & Driver) Abusive Childhood Will was abused by his drunken foster father during his childhood. I t was an unstable neighbourhood that Will grew up in and to add to it he had an abusive foster father. Due to this, Will had to face issues of abandonment and rejections. This made a serious impact on Will. As a reaction to his troubled childhood, Will indulged in numerous illegal activities such as burglary, assault, violence, etc. Also he distanced himself from his family and spent most of his time reading books in the library. This hindered his development and only communication that he had was with his friends. Following is an excerpt from the movie where Will describes his childhood: What do you wanna know? That I don't have 12 brothers? That I'm a fuckin' orphan? You don't wanna hear that... no, you don't wanna hea

The Finite Element Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

The Finite Element - Research Paper Example One of the main challenges in solving partial differential equations is to use equations which are approximate but numerically stable so that error accumulation does not cause the solution to be meaningless. The finite element method is an excellent technique for solving partial differential equations over complex domains. Application of the finite element method in structural mechanics is based on an energy principle, such as the virtual work principle, which provides a general, intuitive and physical basis. The finite element method originated as a technique used to solve stress analysis problems, but today it can be applied to a multitude of disciplines ranging from fluid mechanics, to heat transfer to electromagnetism. The buckle of a standard lap belt used in passenger aircrafts has been designed and is ready to undergo testing. In order to be released into the market, the strap system must be able to withstand a 450 kg tensile load. It is assumed that the weakest point of the design is the flat plate of the buckle. Thus, prior to engaging in a costly test scenario, a simple finite element analysis of the buckle is to be made to insure soundness of design, i.e. the material does not exceed its yield strength and no significant distortion occurs. Preparing the problem for analysis first requires definition of assumptions. Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of the buckle to be analy... thickness of the part (which is assumed to be constant) is believed to be small enough compared to the width of the part such that shell elements can be used. Displacements are expected to be relatively small such that a linear approximation will be valid. Figure 1 2.2 Material Properties The part is manufactured from 2.5 mm stainless steel plate with a Young's modulus of elasticity of 206 GN/m2, Poison's ratio of 0.3, and a yield strength of 580 MN/m2. Homogeneous and isotropic material was assumed with no discontinuities or residual stresses present as a result of manufacturing processes such as forging, rolling and welding. The material is assumed to have linear elastic properties. 2.3 Mesh A mesh that provides a good representation of the model is critical for an accurate solution; the elements must be well-shaped and close fit. For this analysis, the element type chosen was PLANE82, which is a 2D structural solid element. The element has 8 nodes, which increases calculation time over its 4-node counterpart but also increase accuracy of solution. Eight-noded elements are also known to be more accurate for modelling curved boundaries, which is where the areas of maximum stress were expected in the buckle. The PLANE 82 element type also offered the benefit of accounting for a thickness value in its input properties. Since maximum stress values were expected in the curved sections of the part, two meshing values were utilised, thus providing a denser mesh in critical areas. In the curved areas, a value of 0.25 was used, while 0.51 was used in the rest of the model. 2.4 Boundary Conditions Determination and application of boundary conditions is critical to the analysis. For this model, it was assumed that displacements would be small enough so as to not

Airport Monitors Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Airport Monitors - Assignment Example The flights coming in and out during the peak of the storm were canceled until better weather. The runways became full of snow because of the storm but have been quickly cleared. The runways currently in use are runways 03, 04, and 09. The typical runways sizes are 8,000 to 12,000 in length. The runways are made out of concrete and in good condition. Each runway has lights and can be used during all conditions. The airport has most of the planes out of a base and moving passengers. There are 5 jets and 1 multi-engine aircraft at the Detroit Metro Airport not in use. The average number of flights per day is 660 commercial air flights, 579 air taxis, and 26 GA Transients. The airport has 13 different radio frequencies. Overall, the airport has decent runways and many flights scheduled to depart and many flights scheduled to arrive. The twenty-mile radius around the airport is cluttered with incoming and outgoing flights. The second airport chosen is the Chicago O’Hare International airport. The airport is located in Chicago, Illinois. The airport examination was performed at 6:10 pm on February 3rd, 2011. The airport is usually quite a busy airport. Chicago was recently hit with a large blizzard that forced the airport to cancel almost every flight. The weather at the time of observation is cold and sunny. The previous weather caused many delays and cancelations. The twenty-mile radius surrounding the airport shows very few flights coming or going. There are only 8 flights total within a twenty-mile radius. At the time of observation, there is no aircraft based at the airport. Under normal weather conditions, the airport has on average 1533 commercial flights, 764 air taxis, and 20 GA transients. The average total air traffic is 2317 flights each day. The current runway conditions are snowy and icy. The airport has five runways currently operating. Three of the runways are made of asphalt and two are made  of concrete.