Discussion Questions

User-interface design techniques and human-computer interaction (HCI) evolved from studies of human interaction with machines. The field of human factors was first associated with engineering, as engineers designed machines. However, engineers used precise specifications and predictable behavior and often found the human factor frustrating. Dialogs are used to define a menu hierarchy that allows the user to navigate to each dialog. Each dialog is based on a use case documented early during the inception phase that is classified as requiring a user interface. Discuss the following questions:

• What are dialog designs?
• Within an iteration, can analysis and design activities occur simultaneously?
  • Why or why not?
• How does a developer know when to do analysis and when to do design?
• The definition of interface design standards states that “general principles and rules must be followed….”
  • Do user interface design standards restrict creativity?

  Many researchers create analysis and design techniques that place the user interface at the center of the development process because they recognize the importance of the user interface to system developers and users alike. Complete the following assignment:

   College Education Completion Methodology Exercise

• Read the instructions for the case study “A ‘College Education Completion’ Methodology,” in Chapter 8 on page 249.
  • Answer questions 1-5 as instructed.