CAP3104 Final Exam Study

What is interaction design?

Designing how users and computers communicate to make systems usable and satisfying.

What is the Gulf of Execution?

The gap between what a user wants to do and how to do it in the system.

What is the Gulf of Evaluation?

The gap between system output and the user understanding it.

What are Norman’s 7 stages of action?

Goal → Intention → Actions → Execute → Perceive → Interpret → Evaluate

What is a WIMP interface?

Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointer

What is a GUI?

Interface using visual elements that users can interact with.

What is a tangible interface?

Uses physical objects to interact with digital data.

What is a voice interface?

Uses spoken commands (Siri, Alexa).

What is a natural user interface (NUI)?

Feels natural/human (gestures, motion tracking, VR)

What is a multimodal interaction?

Using multiple input types at once (voice + touch)

What is selective attention?

Focusing on one task and ignoring others.

What is divided attention?

Attempting to multitask (less effective)

What is working memory?

Short-term memory; limited to ~7 items

at is a mental memory?

A user’s internal idea of how a system works.

What is cognitive load?

The mental effort required to perform a task

What is the Gestalt principle of proximity?

Things close together are perceived as a group

What is the Gestalt principle of similiarity?

Similar items appear grouped

What is affordance?

A visual clue about what you can do (button looks pressable).

What are constraints?

Design limits that prevent user error.

What is mapping?

Relationship between control and outcomes (stove knobs)

What is an interview?

One-on-one discussion to explore user thoughts in depth

What is a survey?

Large-scale questionnaire for general info

What is observation?

Watching users to avoid bias

What is contextual inquiry?

Observing users in their real environment

What is a persona?

Fictional representation of a typical user

What is a scenario?

Story describing how a user uses the system

What is qualitative data?

Non-numerical insights (quotes, behaviors)

What are quantitative data?

Numerical data (times, errors, success rates)

What is thematic analysis?

Grouping qualitative data into themes

What is triangulation?

Using multiple methods to verify findings

What are functional requirements?

What the system must do (features)

What are non-functional requirements?

Quality attributes (usability, performance)

What are user requirements?

What users need or want from the system

What are use cases?

Step-by-step interactions between user and system

What is visceral design?

First impressions and aesthetics.

What is behavioral design?

Usability and functionality during use

What is reflective design?

Long-term meaning and personal value

What is the aesthetic-usability effect?

Attractive things feel easier to use

What is the Input-Process-Output model?

User input → system processes → system output

What is RAM?

Fast, temporary memory

What is storage?

Long-term memory

What is a sensor?

Device that collects physical data (GPS, mic, camera)

What is event-driven programming?

System reacts to user actions (clicks, touches)

What is a low-fidelity prototype?

Rough sketches, fast and cheap

What is a high-fidelity prototype?

Detailed, interactive, closer to final product

What is a storyboard?

Comic-strip showing user steps

What is iterative design?

Design → test → refine → repeat

What is heuristic evaluation?

Experts check designs using usability principles

What are Nielsen’s heuristics?

Visibility, consistency, control, error prevention

What is usability testing?

Observing users performing tasks

What is the think-aloud method?

Users speak their thoughts during tasks

What is immersion?

Feeling surrounded by the virtual world

What is presence?

Feeling physically located inside VR

What is latency?

Delay between movement and display update

What are challenges in VR?

Motion sickness, tracking accuracy, navigation