GUI Assignment$\_3$

GUI Apps Critique

Remedial Programming

If you are not sure what language to use, pick Java and start working your way through the Sun Java tutorial Trails Covering the Basics.

Assignment

Find two $(2)$ examples of good user interface design, and two $(2)$ examples of bad user interface design.

Your examples should be specific. It is very hard to find a large interface that is completely good or completely bad, so don't try. Instead, focus on a particular feature or aspect of a user interface that makes your case.

$$ Avoid fuzzy words like $$intuitive$$ and $$user$-$friendly$$ on your search. Be as precise as possible about what makes it good or bad.

$$ For example, do not just say that it $$looks professional.$$ Explain what makes it look that way.

$$ Do not just say the interface $"$is confusing." Explain what specifically makes it so$.$

You are not limited to desktop software. Web sites offer many great candidates for fame and shame. You are not even limited to traditional computer interfaces. Feel free to go out into the real world, and consider consumer appliances, car dashboards, building entrances, traffic intersections, shower controls, etc. $($Norman$\text{'}$s book Design of Everyday Things includes a lot of examples of this kind, which you may find inspirational.$)$

Deliverable:

Your report should be as follow:

Your report should include two $(2)$ good examples and two $(2)$ bad examples. List below but not limited to:

$$ Describe the purpose of the overall interface and the particular aspect you find good or bad

$$ In a bullet list, explain why it's good or bad $($please make explicit reference to the "design heuristics" described in class, e$.$g$.,$ consistency, feedback, etc$)$

$$ If bad, in a bullet list, speculate why it might have been designed that way, and suggest a better design if possible

$$ Illustrate with screenshots or photographs and short video clip$($s$)$

$$ Your document needs to be well organized, easy to read, and free of typos.

o Must Provide a Short video.

o The Write up needs to be $2-3$ pages

o List of references

o Submit via d$2$l Module$/$dropbox on or before due date