UNIVERSITY EXAMINATIONS: 2011/2012
SECOND YEAR EXAMINATION FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
BIT 2308 HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION
DATE: JULY, 2012 TIME: 2 HOURS
INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question ONE and any other TWO
QUESTION ONE
a) Compare the constructivist and ecological theories of perception and give examples of how each
has influenced interface design.
b) Differentiate the terms “gulf of execution” and “gulf of evaluation”.
c) Design rationale is information that explains why a computer system is the way it is. List any six
benefits of design rationale.
d) Describe three techniques used in participatory design.
e) List and briefly explain Principles of Learnability.
f) List Shneiderman’s Golden Rules
g) Explain any five characteristics of HCI Design Patterns
h) Explain any four problems associated with interface metaphors
QUESTION TWO
a) KCA university is designing an intranet system to ensure that sales staff always have the
most up-to-date information on products and special offers, and have immediate access to
Academic papers. Give a root definition for this system using the CATWOE elements. [5 Marks]
b) Describe the steps in the Usability Engineering Lifecycle [5 Marks]
c) Explain the way in which menus favour knowledge in the world over knowledge in the head.
[3 Marks]
d) Explain any four facilities included in an interactive system that allows users to recover from their
mistakes [4 Marks]
e) Describe any three essential differences between the HCI design model and the Software
Engineering design model.
QUESTION THREE
a) Explain, using two examples, the principles of
i. Visibility
ii. Affordance
b) Describe, with the aid of a diagram, the Extended Human Information Processing model
c) A database entry screen is being designed. The screen will display a form consisting of a
Large number of text boxes. The information to be entered will be in several categories,
Including personal details, account details and transaction information. Discuss ways in
which the Gestalt Laws of Perceptual Organization could be applied to enhance the
usability of this screen
d) Describe any four HCI goals
QUESTION FOUR
a) WinIT Ltd, a company with limited resources based in Nairobi wishes to evaluate the
usability of their web site. Discuss the approaches which could be taken in evaluating
their site WinIT Ltd, a company with limited resources based in Nairobi wishes to
evaluate the usability of their web site. Discuss the approaches which could be taken in
evaluating their site
b) Describe any two techniques for knowledge representation in an Adaptive Help System
c) Compare the characteristics of the following computer-based simulation techniques:
i. Horizontal prototyping
ii. Vertical prototyping
iii. Scenarios
QUESTION FIVE (20 Marks)
a) Interface evaluation is the process of assessing the usability of an interface and checking that it
meets user requirements. Briefly explain any two advantages and two disadvantages of laboratory
studies evaluation technique. [ 4 Marks ]
b) Cognition is the process by which we gain knowledge. List any six processes which contribute to
cognition. [ 6 Marks ]
c) Differentiate the terms Groupware and Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW)
[ 4 Marks]
d) Using an illustration, describe the concept of Activity Theory from HCI perspective. [6 Marks ]
