Handout 2b: 8/28/01
Computer-Human Interaction
CPSC 436-500
Assignment 1
Due Thursday, August 30, 2001
Put your name and email address on all assignments.
This assignment has two parts. Select two computer programs that you have
used, one that has what you consider to be an excellent user interface and the
other that has what you consider to be a poor user interface. For each
program, write a short report (approximately one page in length) that describes
the following:
- What is the program? What function does the program provide? Who are the
expected users of the program?
- What characteristics make this program's user interface good or bad?
Describe the relevant features in enough detail so that the reader can
understand what they are supposed to do and why their implementation is good or
bad?
- Are there any general observations that you can make about good/bad user
interface characteristics, based on considering the specific characteristics
of this program?
Turn in your report (on paper), and also place an electronic copy on your Web
site.