INF1520 Assignment 3
2024 - DUE 15 July
2024
[Company address]
, INF1520 Assignment 3 2024 - DUE 15 July 2024
Question 1 [13]
1.1 Explain why the keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order of QWERTY. (4)
1.2 There are, potentially, many mistakes that designers can make when designing interfaces. Specify
what are the most problematic mistakes designers make. (3)
1.3 Name and explain three common design mistakes users make when designing interfaces? (6)
1.1 Why the keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order of QWERTY
The QWERTY keyboard layout was designed in the 1870s by Christopher Latham Sholes, who invented the
typewriter. The reasons for this specific arrangement include:
1. Typewriter Jamming: Early typewriters would jam if adjacent keys were pressed in quick succession.
The QWERTY layout was developed to reduce the likelihood of jamming by spacing out commonly
used letter pairs.
2. Typing Efficiency: The layout places frequently used letters in positions that can be easily reached to
improve typing speed and efficiency, considering the mechanics of early typewriters.
3. Adoption and Standardization: Once the layout was adopted and typewriters became widely used, it
became a standard. Changing the layout would have required significant retraining and redesign of
typewriters, so it remained as the default.
4. Economic and Practical Factors: As QWERTY keyboards became standard, manufacturers continued
to produce them, reinforcing their use despite the existence of potentially more efficient layouts like
Dvorak.
1.2 Common Mistakes Designers Make When Designing Interfaces
Designers can make various mistakes when creating user interfaces. The most problematic mistakes include:
1. Ignoring User Needs: Designing without considering the actual needs and preferences of users can
result in interfaces that are difficult or unpleasant to use.
2. Inconsistent Design: Lack of consistency in design elements (such as colors, fonts, and layouts) can
confuse users and make the interface harder to navigate.
3. Overloading Users with Information: Presenting too much information at once can overwhelm users,
making it hard for them to find what they need and understand the interface.
2024 - DUE 15 July
2024
[Company address]
, INF1520 Assignment 3 2024 - DUE 15 July 2024
Question 1 [13]
1.1 Explain why the keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order of QWERTY. (4)
1.2 There are, potentially, many mistakes that designers can make when designing interfaces. Specify
what are the most problematic mistakes designers make. (3)
1.3 Name and explain three common design mistakes users make when designing interfaces? (6)
1.1 Why the keys on a computer keyboard are arranged in the order of QWERTY
The QWERTY keyboard layout was designed in the 1870s by Christopher Latham Sholes, who invented the
typewriter. The reasons for this specific arrangement include:
1. Typewriter Jamming: Early typewriters would jam if adjacent keys were pressed in quick succession.
The QWERTY layout was developed to reduce the likelihood of jamming by spacing out commonly
used letter pairs.
2. Typing Efficiency: The layout places frequently used letters in positions that can be easily reached to
improve typing speed and efficiency, considering the mechanics of early typewriters.
3. Adoption and Standardization: Once the layout was adopted and typewriters became widely used, it
became a standard. Changing the layout would have required significant retraining and redesign of
typewriters, so it remained as the default.
4. Economic and Practical Factors: As QWERTY keyboards became standard, manufacturers continued
to produce them, reinforcing their use despite the existence of potentially more efficient layouts like
Dvorak.
1.2 Common Mistakes Designers Make When Designing Interfaces
Designers can make various mistakes when creating user interfaces. The most problematic mistakes include:
1. Ignoring User Needs: Designing without considering the actual needs and preferences of users can
result in interfaces that are difficult or unpleasant to use.
2. Inconsistent Design: Lack of consistency in design elements (such as colors, fonts, and layouts) can
confuse users and make the interface harder to navigate.
3. Overloading Users with Information: Presenting too much information at once can overwhelm users,
making it hard for them to find what they need and understand the interface.
