18 Oct IT302M3-3: Relate the value of screen components, color theories, and typography in human-computer interaction.
IT302M3-3: Relate the value of screen components, color theories, and typography in human-computer interaction.
Purpose
There are many different tools available to aid with interface design. With this assessment, you will explore some of the more common tools as well as some of
the more advanced tools and their use in interfaces.
Additionally, the assessment explores the world of text and typography in interface design. You will write a paper to prove your understanding of these
concepts. Make sure you use a subheading for each of the sections in part 2 and follow all other APA style requirements.
Part 1:
Assessment Instructions
For this assignment, you will create a PowerPoint presentation in which you explain the use of direct manipulation and various other components that are
present in common interfaces.
Design
Complete the following PowerStart activity :
The PowerStart activity provides instructions and examples to help you with this module’s assessment. Take a few minutes and complete this before starting
your assessment.
Use the PowerPoint template that you found while completing the PowerStart exercise.
Content
Use the textbook and/or other appropriate academic sources. Do not use Wikipedia, user-answer sites, message boards, or similar sources. Instead, look for
quality work prepared by qualified professionals. When in doubt, ask your professor about a source’s appropriateness. Appropriately cite your sources in APA
style on the content slides using in-text citations, and provide full APA entries on the reference slide. The content of your presentation must be as follows:
Slide 1: Cover slide with a title, the course and unit numbers, and your first and last names
For each of the following, include (1) a definition in your own words, (2) various forms and/or uses of the element, (3) a common example, and (4) for slides 2–
5 add a screenshot of your example and critique of the implementation. Does the tool work well for what it intended for? Could it be improved? Would a
different tool work better? Present the information in bulleted lists. Each slide must have at least 35 words. All wording must be your own (no quotes, no
copying).
Slide 2: Direct Manipulation
Slide 3: Long Lists
Slide 4: Pop-up Menus
Slide 5: Toolbars
Slide 6: Virtual Reality
Color plays an important role in applications and web sites. Find an example of an application or a website where the color is well done and adds to the
readability and usability of the site. Then find an example where the color detracts and/or makes it more difficult to read. For each, include (1) the name of the
site or application, (2) an explanation of why the color scheme is good or bad, and (3) any improvements you would make.
Slide 7: Good use of color
Slide 8: Poor use of color
Finish the presentation with:
Slide 9: Your thoughts on what makes an effective user interface. What tools do you think provide the best user experience for usability and why? What
colors do you think should be used and why?
Slide 10: References in APA format
Slide 11: Credit the source of the PowerPoint template you used. Include the name of the site, the name of the template, and the full URL leading directly
to the page where you downloaded it. Note: Do not use APA format for this slide. Present the information as you might for a workplace presentation.
Assessment Requirements
Do not write in the “notes” section of your PowerPoint file. All content must appear on the slides.
Written work should be free of spelling, grammar, and APA errors. Points deducted from the grade for each writing, spelling, or grammar error are at your
instructor’s discretion.
Also, review the university policy on plagiarism. Ensure that your work is not copied from any sources. Copying does not prove an understanding of the
material, and plagiarism will not be tolerated. If you have any questions, please contact your professor.
Part 2:
Purpose
This assessment explores the world of text and typography in interface design. You will write a paper to prove your understanding of these concepts. Make
sure you use a subheading for each of the parts listed below and follow all other APA style requirements.
Assignment Instructions
Complete the following PowerStart activity :
The PowerStart activity for this module illustrates the use of lorem ipsum for text in design documents.
Write in your own words (no quoting, no copying).
Use the textbook and/or other appropriate academic sources when required to perform research. Cite properly in APA format.
Write a subheading for each of the three main parts, in your own words, to identify main ideas.
Part 1: Help Text and a Chosen Interface
Explain any two of the following concepts as they apply to an interface of your choice:
Contextual help text
Procedural help text
Reference help text
Conceptual help text
Begin this section with the specific identification of the interface itself. Write in full sentences and provide a separate paragraph for each of your two chosen
concepts as they apply to this interface. Write at least 80 words for this part of the paper and use appropriate terminology.
Part 2: Typography Concepts
Use appropriate sources and learn more about the study of text.
Define the following terms in a table or bulleted list, writing full sentences for the definitions in your own words. Provide an example of how each one might be
used in an interface. Use in-text citations to identify the sources of your information. (This means that each definition must be cited.)
Leading
Kerning
Tracking
Widow
Orphan
Anti-aliasing
Part 3: Design Concepts
Answer three of the following questions, each in its own paragraph. This part is not research; the content is to be written in your own words, using your critical
thinking skills and your understanding from the unit reading. Do not copy the questions. Write at least 35 words for each paragraph.
Why is “justified” alignment not typically considered good design? Does the device make a difference for this?
Why is it important to provide well-written headings/subheadings on an interface?
Why is text written in all caps harder to read?
Why might it be a good idea to use the default color for hyperlinked text?
What text design concepts must the designer consider if moving a website application to a mobile application?
Part 4: Accessibility
Not everyone can see the text or graphics on a web site. In your own words, discuss at least two ways in which websites should consider users with these
disabilities.
Directions for Submitting Your Assessment
Use the following convention to name your assessment: IT302-M3-LastName-FirstName, where your own name is typed (example: IT302-M3-Jemison-Mae).
Submit the completed document as an attachment to the Module 3 Dropbox before the deadline
