, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
Please note that the author of this document will not responsibility for any plagiarizing you
commit.
Question 1
1.1. Explain why the keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order of QWERTY.
The keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order of QWERTY due to historical reasons
related to the mechanical limitations of early typewriters. Initially, keys were arranged alphabetically,
but this led to frequent jamming when typists typed too quickly. To address this issue, the QWERTY
layout was designed to slow down typing speeds by placing commonly used keys further apart. This
arrangement became widely adopted and persisted even after the original mechanical constraints
were no longer relevant, largely due to user familiarity and established typing habits.
(TL102-2024 - Page 49)
1.2. There are, potentially, many mistakes that designers can make when designing interfaces.
Specify what are the most problematic mistakes designers make.
The forces that work against evolutionary design
Demands of Time: Often, a new version of a product is released before the old version has
been fully updated based on user feedback. This rush to meet deadlines can hinder the natural
evolution of the design.
Pressure to be Distinctive: Companies feel compelled to distinguish their new versions from
previous ones, sometimes at the expense of retaining the good features of earlier versions.
Curse of Individuality and Market Differentiation: The need for unique designs can lead to
the development of inferior products, as companies prioritize standing out over functional
improvement.
Putting aesthetics first (that is, form over function)
Designers sometimes prioritize how an interface looks over its usability. While an aesthetically
pleasing design can be appealing, it should not come at the cost of functionality. A well-designed
interface should be free of clutter, logically organized, and use color tastefully to enhance usability
rather than detract from it.
Designers regarding themselves as typical users
Designers often assume that their preferences and understanding of technology are representative of
all users. This can lead to designs that do not meet the needs of less experienced users. It is crucial
for designers to involve actual users in the design process to ensure the interface is user-friendly and
meets the real needs of its intended audience.
(TL102-2024 - Page 48)
Please note that the author of this document will not responsibility for any plagiarizing you
commit.
Question 1
1.1. Explain why the keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order of QWERTY.
The keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order of QWERTY due to historical reasons
related to the mechanical limitations of early typewriters. Initially, keys were arranged alphabetically,
but this led to frequent jamming when typists typed too quickly. To address this issue, the QWERTY
layout was designed to slow down typing speeds by placing commonly used keys further apart. This
arrangement became widely adopted and persisted even after the original mechanical constraints
were no longer relevant, largely due to user familiarity and established typing habits.
(TL102-2024 - Page 49)
1.2. There are, potentially, many mistakes that designers can make when designing interfaces.
Specify what are the most problematic mistakes designers make.
The forces that work against evolutionary design
Demands of Time: Often, a new version of a product is released before the old version has
been fully updated based on user feedback. This rush to meet deadlines can hinder the natural
evolution of the design.
Pressure to be Distinctive: Companies feel compelled to distinguish their new versions from
previous ones, sometimes at the expense of retaining the good features of earlier versions.
Curse of Individuality and Market Differentiation: The need for unique designs can lead to
the development of inferior products, as companies prioritize standing out over functional
improvement.
Putting aesthetics first (that is, form over function)
Designers sometimes prioritize how an interface looks over its usability. While an aesthetically
pleasing design can be appealing, it should not come at the cost of functionality. A well-designed
interface should be free of clutter, logically organized, and use color tastefully to enhance usability
rather than detract from it.
Designers regarding themselves as typical users
Designers often assume that their preferences and understanding of technology are representative of
all users. This can lead to designs that do not meet the needs of less experienced users. It is crucial
for designers to involve actual users in the design process to ensure the interface is user-friendly and
meets the real needs of its intended audience.
(TL102-2024 - Page 48)
