version of 1/6/2008
This will be your first exploration of interaction design. You'll do this by choosing some artifact such as an MP3 player or word processor or interactive web-based system and analyzing its usability. Pay particular attention to the rules about formatting and handing in your assignment, as described on the introductory Assignments page. Due as hardcopy, beginning of class, Friday, February 1st.
If you choose a relatively simple artifact, you might be well-advised to pick more than one and compare and contrast them. On the other hand, if an app is complex, such as Photoshop or a high-end game, you'll need to focus on some limited aspect of its functionality. There are thousands of possibilities, including:
Much of what you need to look for is described in particular portions of Introducing Evaluation which is Chapter 12 of your textbook. Be sure to reference specific sections of the Chapter or other material in your book or other readings in your report, things that you used or found helpful. These portions should be particularly helpful:
Some of the mechanics have already been described in the Assignments page. More specifically, for this Assignment 1: Keep your assignment to a modest length and to the point. Start with a Summary section of the order of half a page (single spaced) that summarizes your work and your results.
Length: Your assignment, in addition to your Summary and any figures and references you might have, should be between two and three pages long, single-spaced, from 500 to 700 words long.
Make sure you've read the introduction on the main Assignments page that discusses your "audience" and the inclusion of figures in your reports.
Return to ISU570 Assignments page. or the ISU570 Spring 2008 homepage. or RPF's Teaching Gateway or homepage